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Cowboy Casserole

A comforting one-pan casserole featuring savory ground beef, a zesty tomato and chili bean sauce, a creamy sour cream layer, melty cheddar cheese, and a crispy tater tot topping. Easy to make and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course: Casserole, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 85% lean
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 can tomato sauce 15 ounce
  • 1 can chili beans 15 ounce, undrained
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 bag frozen tater tots 32 ounce
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until beef is browned and onion is translucent. Drain excess grease.
  3. Step 3: Stir in diced red bell pepper, tomato sauce, undrained chili beans, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the beef mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  5. Step 5: Dollop spoonfuls of sour cream over the beef mixture.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the sour cream layer.
  7. Step 7: Arrange frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the cheese.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 30-40 minutes, until tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Step 9: Let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

This casserole is highly adaptable: substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef, add veggies like corn or peas, or use different beans (kidney, black, pinto). Vary the cheese with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack, or try French fries or cornbread as a topping instead of tater tots. Remember to drain excess grease from the beef and arrange tater tots in an even layer for optimal crispness. The beef and bean mixture can be prepared up to 2-3 days in advance and refrigerated. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze the beef mixture separately for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best results.