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Crispy Cowboy Casserole with Cheddar Tater Tot Crust

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A quick, hearty casserole featuring a savory ground beef filling topped with a crispy cheddar tater tot crust. Perfect for busy family meals, this comforting dish combines smoky spices, cheese, and a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained slightly
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 32 ounces frozen tater tots
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Optional toppings: chopped green onions, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh jalapeño slices

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook 5-7 minutes, breaking it up until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom spices.
  5. Add diced tomatoes and frozen corn, stir well, and cook 2-3 minutes until warmed through and slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
  6. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the filling.
  7. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, covering the entire surface.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until tater tots are golden brown and crispy and cheese is bubbly.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Notes

Do not thaw tater tots before baking to ensure maximum crispiness. Watch casserole closely after 20 minutes to prevent burning; tent with foil if cheese bubbles too quickly. Let casserole rest 5 minutes after baking to firm up crust. For vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based crumbles. For gluten-free, verify seasoning and tomato paste labels.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy casserole, tater tot casserole, cheddar tater tot crust, easy family meals, ground beef casserole, comfort food, quick dinner

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/crispy-cowboy-casserole-with-cheddar-tater-tot-crust-easy-recipe-for-family-meals/