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Tater Tot Cowboy Casserole with Bacon

Tater Tot Cowboy Casserole with Bacon
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This Tater Tot Cowboy Casserole with Bacon is a warm, hearty, and comforting dish featuring crispy tater tots, savory seasoned ground beef, smoky bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and flavorful vegetables. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this easy-to-make casserole provides a delicious balance of textures and tastes, combining comfort and convenience in one satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Protein

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 6–8 strips of bacon

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies

Dairy & Cheese

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional: sour cream, for serving

Other Ingredients

  • 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Spices of choice (e.g., chili powder, paprika) to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon and Beef: Start by frying the bacon strips in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, then crumble. In the same skillet, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat, leaving some for flavor.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until softened and fragrant, to build the casserole’s savory base.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and any additional spices. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors thoroughly.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly on the bottom. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat, then evenly distribute the crumbled bacon on top. Cover everything with a layer of tater tots, then finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Allow the casserole to cool slightly for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld and the cheese set. Garnish as desired with fresh chopped parsley or green onions, then serve warm.

Notes

  • Use fresh bacon (not pre-cooked) for best flavor and crispiness.
  • Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking meat and veggies to ensure proper browning.
  • Spread ingredients evenly in the casserole dish for balanced flavor in every bite.
  • Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking for easier slicing and serving.
  • Assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate; bake fresh when ready to save time.

Nutrition

Keywords: tater tot casserole, cowboy casserole, bacon casserole, comfort food, casserole recipe, easy dinner

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