Description
This hearty Cowboy Casserole is a comforting slow-cooked dish packed with seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, mixed vegetables, and melted cheeses topped with crispy tater tots. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, the layers of savory and creamy flavors with a crunchy top make it irresistible and family-friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
Seasonings and Dairy
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade ranch seasoning)
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
Other
- 2 cups frozen tater tots (or more, depending on slow cooker size)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat to keep the dish less greasy.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant, which enhances the casserole’s overall flavor.
- Combine the Ingredients: Transfer the cooked beef, onion, and garlic mixture into your slow cooker. Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (including the juices), mixed vegetables, ranch seasoning, and taco seasoning. Stir everything together until evenly combined to distribute the flavors.
- Top with Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top of the mixture inside the slow cooker, ensuring a gooey and melty cheese layer.
- Layer the Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the casserole mixture in a single layer, packing them closely to cover as much of the surface as possible for a crunchy topping.
- Cook the Casserole: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the tater tots are golden and crispy on top and the casserole is thoroughly heated.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the casserole hot. Optionally garnish with a dollop of sour cream and freshly chopped parsley for added creaminess and a pop of color.
Notes
- Drain excess fat from the browned beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- You can adjust seasoning quantities based on your preference for spice.
- If you do not have a slow cooker, this casserole can be baked in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, covering with foil for the first 30 minutes.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles and ensure the seasoning mixes are vegetarian-friendly.
- Frozen mixed vegetables can be substituted with fresh veggies if preferred, but cooking times may need adjustment.
- Cooking times may vary based on your slow cooker model; check doneness of tater tots and internal temperature accordingly.
