What defines a Cowboy Casserole? While there are various interpretations of this dish, there are four key ingredients that feature consistently across nearly all recipes: ground beef, corn, shredded cheese, and Tater Tots. Without these components, while your casserole may still be deliciously hearty, it wouldn’t quite earn the title of Cowboy Casserole.
Ingredients for Cowboy Casserole:
In addition to the core ingredients mentioned above, our Cowboy Casserole incorporates a few more readily available components. Here’s the complete list:
– Onions and garlic: These provide a rich and flavorful base for the casserole.
– Ground beef: You’ll need a full pound.
– Taco seasoning: We rely on a packet of taco seasoning for added flavor and spice.
– Black beans, pinto beans, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, and diced green chiles: Each of these canned ingredients (with the green chiles being a small can) contributes to the filling.
– Sour cream and shredded Cheddar cheese: These ingredients lend the casserole its thickness, heartiness, and creaminess.
– Hot sauce: For a hint of extra heat; feel free to omit it if preferred.
– Frozen corn: The corn is mixed into the filling towards the end.
– Frozen Tater Tots: This beloved potato product forms the crispy top layer of the casserole. Unlike some recipes, our Cowboy Casserole is baked uncovered, allowing the Tater Tots to crisp up.
Variations of Cowboy Casserole:
One of the great aspects of Cowboy Casserole is its adaptability. Beyond the ground beef, you can customize the fillings to suit your preferences. Alongside the ingredients listed in our recipe, popular additions include northern beans, baked beans, canned chili, cooked bacon, chopped spinach, diced jalapenos, and sauteed bell peppers.
Preparing Cowboy Casserole Ahead of Time:
You can prepare Cowboy Casserole anywhere from a day to three months in advance. If making it a day or two before serving, prepare the filling, let it cool, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the filling on the stove, transfer it to a baking dish, top with Tater Tots and cheese, and bake. Alternatively, if you’d like to freeze it for a future occasion, assemble the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. Defrost it in the fridge before baking and serving.