Preparing A Cowboy Casserole

A hearty, flavourful dish combining ground beef, vegetables, and a crispy tater tot topping. Ideal for Thanksgiving as well as a traditional weekday supper!

Ingredients:

• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (120 g) frozen sweetcorn
• 1 cup (120 g) frozen green beans or peas
• 1 can (400 g/14 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 bag (750 g) frozen tater tots
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Equipment Needed:

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts

Preparation and Cooking Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease the baking dish lightly with olive oil.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture:
   • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
   • Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the onion is soft.
   • Drain any excess fat.
3. Mix the Filling:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, frozen vegetables, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until evenly mixed.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
   • Top with an even layer of tater tots, covering the mixture completely.
   • Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
5. Bake:
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
6. Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 580 kcal
• Protein: 29 g
• Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 980 mg

This cowboy casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner and can be easily adjusted with your favorite vegetables or spices.