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.
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.