Pioneer Woman Cowboy Casserole Recipe
The Pioneer Woman Cowboy Casserole Recipe is warm, filling and full of comfort. This dish is perfect for busy nights. It uses simple pantry foods.
Ingredients
- Ground beef – 1 pound
- Onion chopped – 1 medium
- Garlic minced – 2 cloves
- Corn kernels – 1 cup
- Black beans drained – 1 cup
- Cream of mushroom soup – 1 can
- Diced tomatoes – 1 can
- Frozen tater tots – 3 cups
- Cheddar cheese shredded – 2 cups
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Paprika – ½ teaspoon
- Oil – 1 tablespoon
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Let it heat fully. Grease a baking dish lightly. This helps stop sticking later.
Cook the Beef
- Heat oil in a large skillet. Add ground beef. Cook on medium heat. Stir often until brown. Drain extra fat if needed.
Add Onion and Garlic
- Add chopped onion and garlic to beef. Cook for three minutes. Stir well. The onion should look soft and smell sweet.
Add Vegetables
- Add corn and black beans. Stir gently. Cook for two minutes. These add color, taste, and texture to the dish.
Add Sauces and Spices
- Add soup and diced tomatoes. Sprinkle salt, pepper and paprika. Mix until smooth. Let it simmer for five minutes.
Assemble the Casserole
- Pour beef mixture into the baking dish. Spread it evenly. Make sure every corner has filling.
Add Tater Tots
- Place tater tots on top. Arrange them neatly. Cover the whole surface for even baking.
Bake the Casserole
- Place dish in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes. The tots should look golden and crispy.
Add Cheese
- Remove dish carefully. Sprinkle cheese on top. Put it back in the oven. Bake for 10 more minutes.
Rest and Serve
- Take casserole out. Let it rest for five minutes. This helps it set before serving.
Notes
- Use lean beef to reduce grease.
- Add chili powder for extra heat.
- Use mozzarella for a milder cheese taste.
- Let the casserole rest before cutting.
- Use fresh cheese for best melting.