Go Back
A skillet of bubbling cowboy casserole topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh parsley, with a wooden spoon scooping some.
Reda

Smoky Tater Tot Cowboy Casserole

A crowd-pleasing, one-pan meal featuring a savory ground beef and bean filling, sweet corn, and a crispy, cheesy tater tot crust. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 562
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Savory Filling
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 large Yellow onion finely chopped
  • 1.5 lbs Lean ground beef (90/10)
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Chili powder
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper or to taste
  • 1 (15-ounce) can Black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can Sweet corn drained
  • 1 (10-ounce) can Diced tomatoes with green chilies undrained
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce your favorite smoky variety
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Crispy Topping
  • 2 cups Shredded sharp cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
  • 1 (20-ounce) bag Frozen tater tots
  • 2 Green onions thinly sliced, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet (12-inch)
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • 9x13 inch baking dish (optional)

Method
 

Prepare the Beef Filling
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large, 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until it is no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the rinsed black beans, drained corn, undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, BBQ sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until well combined. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Assemble and Bake the Casserole
  1. Remove the skillet from the heat. If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the beef mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Smooth the top into an even layer.
  2. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
  3. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, tight layer over the cheese.
  4. Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the filling is hot and bubbly around the edges.
  5. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up and makes it easier to serve.
  6. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and serve warm. A dollop of sour cream on top is also delicious.

Notes

  • Variations: Feel free to swap black beans for pinto or kidney beans. Add a 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon to the beef mixture for extra smoky flavor. Use a Mexican cheese blend for a different taste.
  • Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole (without the tater tots) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the frozen tater tots on top and increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.