Introduction
Cowboy casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of ground beef, beans, and creamy soups, topped with a crispy layer of tater tots. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering an easy and satisfying option for the whole family. Bursting with flavor and texture, cowboy casserole is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Ground beef: 1 pound
Onion, chopped: 1 medium
Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
Corn, drained: 1 cup
Black beans, drained and rinsed: 1 can (15 oz)
Cream of mushroom soup: 1 can (10.5 oz)
BBQ sauce: 1/2 cup
Shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice): 1 cup
Tater tots: 1 bag (about 30 oz)
Salt and pepper: to taste
Prep Time
The prep time for cowboy casserole is approximately 15 minutes, allowing you to quickly chop your ingredients and prepare the dish for cooking.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is around 45 minutes, bringing the total time to about 1 hour from start to finish. This recipe yields about 6 servings, making it a perfect option for family gatherings or meal prep for the week ahead. Enjoy this delicious cowboy casserole as a filling and flavorful meal that everyone will love!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Add Onion and Garlic
Add 1 chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook until the onions are soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
Incorporate Corn and Beans
Stir in 1 can of corn (drained) and 1 can of black beans (rinsed and drained) into the skillet mixture. Mix well.
Add Tomato Soup and Seasoning
Pour in 1 can of tomato soup and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning. Combine all the ingredients thoroughly, allowing the mixture to heat up.
Prepare the Topping
In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese with 1 can of refrigerated biscuit dough. Cut the dough into pieces.
Assemble the Casserole
Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Scatter the biscuit pieces over the top of the beef mixture.
Bake the Casserole
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the biscuit pieces are golden brown and cooked through.
Let it Cool
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Storage
Leftover cowboy casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze the casserole before baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To bake from frozen, increase the cooking time to about 50-60 minutes.
Variations
Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, and you can use different types of beans or cheese according to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cowboy casserole with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
