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–+ servings
Merry

Cheesy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Bring bold flavors to your table with this Cowboy Casserole! A hearty mix of seasoned ground beef, creamy beans, zesty tomatoes, and melted cheese, all topped with crispy potato tots. It’s the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Nonstick spray
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 1 ½ pounds 90/10 ground beef
  • 1 1-ounce envelope taco seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 15-ounce cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 10-ounce cans diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 8-ounce package shredded Mexican-blend cheese, divided (about 2 cups)
  • 1 32-ounce package frozen potato tots
  • Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preheat the Oven:
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
Cook the Beef Mixture:
  1. Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
  3. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned.
  4. Stir in the taco seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Prepare the Filling:
  1. Stir in the pinto beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and frozen corn. Mix well and cook for 1 minute.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and ½ cup of shredded cheese. Mix until creamy and combined.
Assemble the Casserole:
  1. Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  2. Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese over the top.
  3. Arrange the potato tots in a single layer over the cheese.
Bake the Casserole:
  1. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the potato tots are golden brown and crispy and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Garnish and Serve:
  1. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
  2. Serve warm with sour cream or hot sauce on the side for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
  • Substitutions: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
  • Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.
  • Vegetarian Option: Omit the beef and double the beans and vegetables for a hearty vegetarian casserole.
  • Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain the crispy texture of the potato tots.

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