Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole: A Hearty Family Favorite

Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole is a robust and flavorful dish combining ground beef, mushrooms, green bell peppers, corn, black beans, tomatoes, and bacon. Topped with crispy tater tots and seasoned salt, this casserole is sure to be a family hit. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. It’s a delicious twist on the classic Tater Tot Hotdish.

Ingredients & Alternatives

Meat: Ground beef is my go-to for a tater tot casserole, but ground turkey or chicken are great leaner options.

Mushrooms: Both canned and fresh mushrooms work well. They add a delightful flavor that complements the beef, bacon, and vegetables.

Soup: To enhance the mushroom flavor, I use condensed cream of mushroom soup. Cream of chicken soup is a viable alternative, though it will slightly alter the flavor.

Vegetables: This dish is packed with veggies, including onions, green bell peppers, corn, black beans, and tomatoes.

Can I Assemble Tater Tot Casserole Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare this casserole ahead of time. First, cook the ground beef, sauté the vegetables, and mix the liquids and seasonings. Then, transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes, preheat your oven, add the tater tots, and bake until heated through and crispy. This method ensures a convenient and tasty meal.

Freeze Tater Tot Casserole for Easy Meal Planning

Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole is perfect for freezing and enjoying later. Assemble the casserole as per the recipe, adding the tater tots on top. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, label, and date it before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and follow the original baking instructions for a quick and delicious meal.

Can I Make This Without an Oven-Safe Skillet?

Absolutely! If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, cook the ground beef, vegetables, and other ingredients in a regular pan. Then, transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish, top with tater tots, and bake. It’s just as easy!

How to Store Tater Tot Casserole

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 ¼ cup)
• 1 can (4 ounces / 110 g) chopped mushrooms, or 8 ounces (227 g) freshly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 300 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (15.25 ounces / 430 g) corn kernels, drained
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15.25 ounces / 430 g) petite diced tomatoes, drained
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled into small pieces
• ¼ cup (60 g) sour cream
• ½ cup (125 g) whole milk
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 package (32 ounces / 900 g) tater tots, frozen
• 1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a large, oven-safe skillet with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In the skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula.
3. Add the onions, mushrooms, and peppers. Cook until the beef is fully cooked and the vegetables are softened, about 8 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
5. Drain any excess grease.
6. Mix in the cream of mushroom soup, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, bacon, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5-10 minutes, until thickened.
7. Top with tater tots and seasoned salt.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the tater tots are crispy.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!