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–+ servings

Hot Cowgirl Casserole Recipe

A bold, cheesy, and easy-to-make casserole with ground beef, creamy cheese, and crispy tater tots. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course casseroles, comfort food, dinner
Cuisine American, American comfort food, tex-mex
Servings 7 Servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • 9x13 Baking Dish
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Cooking Spray

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Ground Beef Or use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
  • 1 can Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chiles For a bit of spice and acidity
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning Or use homemade seasoning blend
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Adds creaminess to the casserole
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese Softened for easy mixing
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheese Cheddar pepper jack, or Mexican blend
  • 1 bag Frozen Tater Tots For the crispy topping
  • 1 cup Black Beans optional Drained and rinsed if using
  • 1 cup Frozen Corn optional Adds extra flavor and texture

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes, then simmer for 3–5 minutes.
  • Mix the creamy layer: In a bowl, combine sour cream and cream cheese until smooth.
  • Assemble the casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer the beef mixture, then spread the creamy sour cream layer over it. Top with shredded cheese, then arrange frozen tater tots on top.
  • Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and the cheese is bubbly.
  • Cool slightly: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add extra jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
  • Make ahead: Assemble the casserole and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking as directed.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcal
Keyword cheesy casserole, comfort food dinner, hot cowgirl casserole, Tater Tot Bake
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