The taste of the wild, wild west is just around the corner. Cowboy Casserole features juicy beef and melty cheese on a base of crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside tater tots. Yet this casserole harkens back to its Western roots with its smoky and peppery chili spices. Cowboy Casserole keeps you warm during cold nights out on the plains or gets you ready for your next day of rustlin’!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup corn
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 1/4 cups cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 (32-ounce) package frozen tater tots, frozen
- chives, optional, to taste, chopped, for garnish
Directions
Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Step 2 -Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Step 3 -Add the chili powder, the cumin, the salt, the pepper, the garlic powder, and the ground beef to a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Stir, while crumbling the beef, and cook for 8-10 minutes.
Step 4 -Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beef to a bowl. Set it aside.
Step 5 -Turn the heat off, and carefully drain, leaving a thin layer of drippings, about 1 tablespoon.
Step 6 -Set the heat back to medium-high.
Step 7 -Add the diced onions to the pan and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 8 -Place the beef back into the pan, along with the crushed tomatoes and their juices, the corn, and the beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
Step 9 -In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with the water.
Step 10 -Mix the slurry into the beef mixture.
Step 11 -Simmer the beef mixture until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 12 -Turn the heat off and mix in the sour cream and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese.
Step 13 -Add half of the tater tots to the greased casserole dish.
Step 14 -Pour the beef mixture over top and gently stir to combine.
Step 15 -Top the dish with the remaining tater tots and bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes.
Step 16 -Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and bake for another 10 minutes.
Step 17 -Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Step 18 -Garnish with the chives and serve.
