Description

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting slow cooker meal featuring seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, mixed vegetables, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, topped with crispy tater tots. This easy-to-make casserole comes together with ranch and taco seasonings, making it bursting with bold southwestern flavors. Perfect for a family dinner, it offers a no-fuss, one-pot meal that delivers both convenience and satisfying taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade ranch seasoning)
1 packet taco seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)

Toppings

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups frozen tater tots (or more, depending on slow cooker size)

Optional Garnishes

1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once fully browned, drain any excess fat from the pan.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and the mixture becomes fragrant.
Combine the Ingredients: Transfer the cooked beef, onion, and garlic mixture into your slow cooker. Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with their juices, mixed vegetables, ranch seasoning, and taco seasoning. Stir everything together until well combined.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture in the slow cooker.
Layer the Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the casserole mixture in a single layer. Pack them closely to cover the mixture as fully as possible for even cooking and crispiness.
Cook the Casserole: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The casserole is done when the tater tots turn golden and crispy on top and the filling is hot throughout.
Serve: Serve the casserole hot from the slow cooker. Optionally, garnish with a dollop of sour cream and freshly chopped parsley to add extra flavor and a pop of color.

Notes

You can substitute homemade ranch and taco seasoning for the packets to control salt and additives.
Adjust the amount of tater tots to suit the size of your slow cooker and desired topping thickness.
For extra crispiness, you can place the cooked casserole under a broiler for a few minutes, if your slow cooker insert is oven-safe.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
This recipe is customizable with additional vegetables or different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences.