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Crispy Cowboy Casserole Recipe with Tater Tots and Cheese

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A quick and easy casserole featuring a savory ground beef base topped with melty sharp cheddar cheese and crispy tater tots, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 32 oz frozen tater tots
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart until fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add chopped onion and diced green bell pepper to the beef. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Add more broth if it looks dry.
  5. Transfer the beef mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef, then layer frozen tater tots in a single layer on top, pressing gently.
  6. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until tater tots are golden brown and crispy and cheese is bubbling. If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil and continue baking.
  7. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Drain excess fat after browning beef to avoid a greasy casserole. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting. Layer cheese under tater tots to prevent burning. Cook onions and peppers slowly to soften without browning. Rest casserole before serving for better texture. For extra crispiness, broil for last 2-3 minutes watching closely.

Nutrition

Keywords: casserole, tater tots, ground beef, cheddar cheese, quick dinner, comfort food, easy recipe, cowboy casserole

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/crispy-cowboy-casserole-recipe-with-tater-tots-and-cheese-easy-guide/