This is my take on a Cowboy Casserole and I know I'm biased, but it's got to be one of the best recipes out there. Topped with tater tots (potato bites), cheese, and jalapeños, this ground beef, corn, and baked bean casserole recipe is a perfect midweek dinner option.
If you're like me, and you grew up on casseroles, stews, and oven-baked goods in the colder months, then this cowboy casserole inspired dinner is for you. I've seasoned the base with ground cumin, a bit of chili powder, and garlic granules to provide extra flavour. It's honestly such a comforting dish that is such a crowd-pleaser and low effort to make.
For more warming recipes to make this season, why not check out my simple boursin pie which went totally viral and is such a fan-favourite. My French onion cottage pie is another recipe that my boyfriend absolutely loves, so I highly recommend saving that one. Lastly, another pie recipe that the internet loves is my marry me chicken pie, so easy to make and such a treat!
If you're looking for a similar comforting vibe that isn't a pie, then I think you'll love my easy sausage stew!
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Why you'll love this recipe
Comforting: This cowboy casserole is like a hug in a bowl. It's similar to a cottage pie, but has way more cheese in the recipe, and uses tater tots as the topping. Another recipe you could save for a rainy day is my French onion soup chicken casserole, it's a go-to of mine!
Simple: You've only got to grab a handful of accessible ingredients for this recipe. No need to make cornbread or mashed potato, because we're using frozen tater tots (potato bites) as the potato topping.
One pan: All made in one pan, so minimal washing up and low effort.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Onion: I've used white onion that I've finely diced for this cowboy casserole.
Ground beef: You can use lean ground beef that's around 5% fat, but I tend to use 15% fat because it's juicier and tastier in flavour. If you don't like minced beef, feel free to use ground chicken, pork, or lamb.
Chili powder: A mild chili powder adds a lovely kick to this recipe without being overpowering. You could also use paprika or chili flakes.
Ground cumin: For a bit of rounded spice, ground cumin is always a winner for me. Simply omit if you don't have it.
Garlic granules: You can add in fresh garlic but these garlic granules add such a depth of flavour that I think goes really well in the casserole.
Tinned tomatoes: Good quality chopped tinned tomatoes are great for this recipe. You can also use fresh chopped tomatoes if you don't have tinned ones.
Corn: Tinned corn for extra veggies and flavour.
Baked beans: I've used baked beans for this cowboy casserole, but you could use pinto beans, black beans, or kidney beans too.
Broccoli: For a bit of green and freshness, I used a whole head of broccoli. If you don't like broccoli but want some more veggies in your casserole, then courgettes (zucchini), spinach, or aubergine (eggplant) are great options.
Cheese: A mixture of cheddar and mozzarella gives the perfect balance.
Tater tots: Frozen tater tots or potato bites from your local supermarket.
Jalapeños: I love to add a bit of a fresh kick to my casseroles, so topping the cowboy situation with sliced jalapeños is such a winner for me. Feel free to skip this step if you don't like them!
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post for the full recipe list!
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Place a cast-iron skillet or pan on medium heat and drizzle with oil. Add in your diced onion and fry for 3-5 minutes until translucent. Next up, add in your ground beef and break apart. Fry for another 5 minutes.
Step 2: Once your beef has browned slightly, add in the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic granules, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Pour in your tinned tomatoes, tinned corn, and baked beans. Give everything a mix.
Step 4: Next up, add in your sliced broccoli followed by 400ml water. Leave to cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently. Preheat the oven to 220C/425F.
Step 5: Once the water has evaporated slightly and the sauce has thickened. Give the casserole a taste and season accordingly. Top with half your cheese mixture.
Step 6: Lay your tater tots or potato bites down onto your casserole in a circular pattern.
Step 7: Top with the remainder of your cheese and sliced jalapeños. Place into the oven for 20 minutes or until bubbling and golden.
Step 8: Plate up and serve with a side salad of your choice. Enjoy!
What to do with leftovers
Storage: Once your cowboy casserole has cooled down, you can either cover your skillet and place it into the fridge if you have enough space. Or divide into airtight containers. Place in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Place into airtight containers and into the freezer for up to 3 months. Don't forget to label the containers! Leave to thaw in the fridge overnight for when you're wanting to eat them!
Reheating: If still in the casserole dish, place into a preheated oven for 20 minutes at 200C/390F. Or in the microwave with the lid of the Tupperware slightly ajar for a few minutes or until piping hot.
FAQs
You could add on hash browns for a similar flavour and texture, mashed potato, cornbread mixture, or American-style biscuits.
For sure! Simply omit the ground beef and swap it out for finely chopped mushroom and grated tofu as your replacement. Ensure that the tater tots are vegan. Use plant-based cheese.
Yes, you can as long as you have a lid. The flavours will still be the same but you won't be able to get that cheesy golden crispiness on the top as you would in the oven.
Other related recipes you might enjoy!
If you tried my Cowboy Casserole recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thank you!
Cowboy Casserole
Equipment
- 1 large cast iron skillet shallow based oven proof pan
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 white onion finely diced
- 400g ground beef 15% fat
- ½ tablespoon chili powder less or more based on your spice tolerance
- ½ tablespoon ground cumin
- 1-2 teaspoon garlic powder based on your preference
- 400g tinned tomatoes
- 200g tinned corn
- 400g baked beans
- head of a broccoli sliced into small pieces
- 150g grated mozzarella cheese
- 150g grated cheddar cheese
- 700g frozen tater tots or potato bites
- 20 slices of jalapeño
Instructions
- Place a cast-iron skillet or pan on medium heat and drizzle with oil. Add in your diced onion and fry for 3-5 minutes until translucent. Next up, add in your ground beef and break apart. Fry for another 5 minutes.
- Once your beef has browned slightly, add in the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic granules, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Pour in your tinned tomatoes, tinned corn, and baked beans. Give everything a mix.
- Next up, add in your sliced broccoli followed by 400ml water. Leave to cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently. Preheat the oven to 220C/425F (fan off).
- Once the water has evaporated slightly and the sauce has thickened. Give the casserole a taste and season accordingly. Top with half your cheese mixture.
- Lay your tater tots or potato bites down onto your casserole in a circular pattern.
- Top with the remainder of your cheese and sliced jalapeños. Place into the oven for 20 minutes or until bubbling and golden.
- Plate up and serve with a side salad of your choice. Enjoy!
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