Cowboy casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a great comfort food that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
In this recipe, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make cowboy casserole, including all the ingredients, cooking instructions, and helpful tips. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress.
Tips and Tricks
- You can use any type of potato for this recipe, but we recommend using Russet potatoes.
- If you don’t have canned tomatoes or tomato sauce, you can use fresh tomatoes instead.
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the casserole to make it even more delicious.
- If you’re short on time, you can use frozen sliced potatoes instead of fresh.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Want to skip the tots?
Skipping the tots will definitely change the texture and flavor of the dish, as the tots provide a crispy and starchy element to the casserole.
However, if you prefer to reduce the amount of carbohydrates or calories in the dish, you can skip the tots and replace them with a vegetable alternative like cauliflower or broccoli florets.
Alternatively, you can also try using sweet potato tots for a healthier twist. Ultimately, the decision to skip the tots is up to your personal preference and dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the ground beef with another type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of ground beef.
Can I make cowboy casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it.
What can I serve with cowboy casserole?
Cowboy casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread if you’d like.
Can I make cowboy casserole in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make cowboy casserole in a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and cook the onion and garlic in a skillet first, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Is cowboy casserole spicy?
It can be if you use a lot of chili powder, but you can adjust the amount of spices to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less chili powder and cumin.
Should a casserole be covered when baking?
I can tell you that whether or not you should cover a casserole when baking depends on the recipe and the desired outcome. In the case of the Cowboy Casserole recipe, it is not necessary to cover the casserole when baking.
The reason for this is that the Cowboy Casserole recipe contains tater tots, which are meant to get crispy and golden brown in the oven. If you cover the casserole with foil or a lid, the steam will not be able to escape, and the tater tots may become soggy and not crispy.
However, if you are making a casserole that has ingredients that need to be kept moist, like a pasta casserole or a lasagna, you may want to cover it with foil for part of the baking time to prevent it from drying out.
In summary, for the Cowboy Casserole recipe, it is best to bake it uncovered to achieve crispy and golden tater tots.
MORE TASTY CASSEROLE RECIPES
Vegetarian Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Tex-Mex Mexican Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Cheesy Cowboy Casserole Recipe
How to Make Delicious Cowboy Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can of corn, drained
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 can of tomato sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cups of sliced potatoes
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Add the chili powder and cumin to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes on the bottom.
- Pour the beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or onions.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, you can add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Hi, I’m Julie, the passionate foodie and founder of Juliesfamilykitchen.com. I created this blog out of a drive to prove someone wrong, and then I realized how much I truly enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. In my free time, when I’m not running around after my kids or spending quality time with my partner, you can usually find me in the kitchen experimenting with new dishes.