Cowboy Casserole with Tots (Printable Version)

Savory ground beef layer with beans, corn, creamy sauce topped with cheese and crispy tater tots.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Proteins and Legumes

01 - 450 grams ground beef
02 - 1 can (425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 can (425 grams) corn, drained
04 - 1 bag (907 grams) frozen tater tots
05 - Optional: chopped green onions for garnish

→ Dairy

06 - 120 grams shredded cheddar cheese
07 - 120 grams shredded mozzarella cheese

→ Condiments and Spices

08 - 1 can (298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
09 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
11 - Salt to taste
12 - Pepper to taste

# Guide to Cooking:

01 - Set the oven temperature to 190°C (375°F) to preheat.
02 - Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
03 - Add black beans, corn, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir thoroughly and heat until mixture is warm throughout.
04 - In a bowl, mix shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Set aside half for topping later.
05 - Transfer the beef and bean mixture evenly into a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish. Spread half of the cheese mixture evenly over the top.
06 - Arrange frozen tater tots in a single, uniform layer over the cheese.
07 - Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes or until tater tots turn golden brown and crisp.
08 - Remove casserole from oven, sprinkle reserved cheese on top, and return to oven for an additional 5 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
09 - Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Drain excess fat from cooked beef to reduce greasiness and improve texture.