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Easy Cowboy Casserole

Easy Cowboy Casserole: A Cozy, Budget-Friendly Delight

Easy Cowboy Casserole is a delightful blend of Tex-Mex flavors, perfect for any meal setting.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 6 slices Bacon Swap for turkey bacon if desired.
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Lean ground turkey or chicken can be used as alternatives.
  • 1 medium Onion Shallots or leeks work well as substitutes.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced garlic can be replaced with garlic powder (1/8 tsp per clove).
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning Homemade blend using cumin, paprika, and chili powder can be made.
  • 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup Use condensed cream of chicken or a homemade cream sauce if preferred.
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt serves as a healthier option.
  • 1 can Black Beans Substitute with pinto or kidney beans if desired.
  • 1 cup Corn Fresh or frozen corn can be used or swap with diced bell peppers.
  • 1 can Diced Green Chiles Fresh jalapeños can be used for more spice.
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheeses make great alternatives.
  • 32 oz Frozen Tater Tots Consider using hash browns or crispy potato slices.
  • to taste Salt Adjust according to taste; consider low-sodium options for health.
  • to taste Pepper Adjust according to taste; consider low-sodium options for health.
  • 2 tbsp Chopped Scallions For fresh taste and garnish; can be replaced with chopped parsley or cilantro.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • 9x13 casserole dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Cowboy Casserole
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and adjust the rack to the top third of the oven.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy and golden, about 10 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  3. Add the ground beef and diced onions to the skillet. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, until beef is browned and onions are translucent.
  4. Drain excess fat, then stir in minced garlic and taco seasoning. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Turn off heat and mix in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, black beans, corn, diced green chiles, half crispy bacon, and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese until combined.
  6. Spread the filling evenly in a prepared 9x13 casserole dish.
  7. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheddar cheese and bacon on top, then arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer.
  8. Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes until tater tots are golden brown and cheese is bubbly. Broil for a few minutes for extra crispiness.
  9. Once cooked, let cool for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnishing with chopped scallions if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

This dish can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking. Just increase baking time if cooking from frozen.

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