Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole (Print version)

A hearty Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole with seasoned ground beef, corn, beans, creamy sauce, cheddar, and a crispy tot topping.

# Ingredients:

For the beef filling

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 1/2 lb (680 g) lean ground beef
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
06 - 1 (14.5 oz / 411 g) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with juices
07 - 1 (10.5 oz / 298 g) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
08 - 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
09 - 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
10 - 1 1/2 cups (225 g) frozen corn
11 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the topping

13 - 2 cups (225 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
14 - 1 (32 oz / 907 g) bag frozen tater tots
15 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion and cook for 7-9 minutes, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess fat if needed.
03 - Add the garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for 1 minute, stirring often, until fragrant.
04 - Add the diced tomatoes with juices, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, black beans, corn, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and evenly combined, then simmer for 2 minutes.
05 - Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a tight single layer over the cheese.
06 - Bake uncovered for 32-36 minutes, until the filling is bubbling around the edges and the tater tots are golden and crisp.
07 - Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar over the top and bake for 4-5 minutes more, until melted. Rest for 5 minutes, then finish with sliced scallions.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served hot after a 5-minute rest.
02 - Check the center of the casserole for 165°F before serving.
03 - Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

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