If you’re looking for a hearty meal that can be made in advance (or not) and will satisfy everyone around your dinner table, here you go. This Cowboy Casserole is topped with cheesy tater tots for the kids (and husbands) but loaded with lean protein, vegetables, and low-salt seasonings. Bonus points, it is easy to clean up and just as tasty when eaten as leftovers. 

I have no clue why this casserole-style is deemed cowboy, but I know that cowboys don’t eat cauliflower tots! One of the first things my husband asked was, “are those real tots?” Ha! Yes! And a sigh of relief came across his face. 

True, I’ve been guilty of trying to make every.single.food in our home “healthier” until I realized that mentality was doing more harm than good. The truth is that you can make space for foods of all kinds, including tater tots, french fries, onion rings, etc. You can even enjoy them with a good greasy burger and deep-fried, and you can use them in a more balanced recipe that also offers vegetables.  

Sidenote: If you like cauliflower tots, you do you! The point is there is nothing wrong with combining foods your family really wants with foods you want your family to eat more of and make everyone happy and healthier. 

All of this to say, it’s a cowboy pleaser! :)

Instructions 

• Preheat the oven to 375F and have ready a greased 9/13 casserole dish. 

• Saute diced onions till translucent with nonstick spray or a teaspoon of olive oil. 

• Add ground beef, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and cook till meat is browned. 

• Add in Rotel, beef broth, corn, black beans, and bring to a simmer. 

• In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, and stir into the beef mixture. Simmer 3-4 minutes until thickened. Turn off the heat and stir 1 cup of Cheddar cheese. 

• Add half of the tater tots to the prepared casserole dish and pour over the beef mixture. Stir to combine. Top with the remaining tater tots and bake for 25 minutes, uncovered. 

• Add the rest of the Cheddar cheese and bake for 10 minutes more. 

• Allow to cool slightly, serve, and enjoy.

You can make it ahead! 

• Follow the recipe up to the point of baking. Cover and refrigerate.

• Set out a half-hour before baking or add 10 minutes to the cooking time