The Famous Cowboy Casserole | Crispy Tater Tot Topping! | South's Best Recipe

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Ground turkey is leaner, while canned beans provide protein at a lower cost.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories, while processed cheese is often cheaper.

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: cream cheese

Greek yogurt is lower in fat and adds creaminess, while cream cheese can be more affordable.

jalapeños

🥗Healthier: banana peppers

💰Cheaper: bell peppers

Banana peppers are milder and lower in calories, while bell peppers are often less expensive.

Heat up a skillet with some canola oil.

Add in chopped garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant.

Add in ground beef and cook until browned, crumbling it as it cooks.

Once the beef is cooked, add in taco seasoning and mix well.

Stir in black beans, pinto beans, fire roasted diced tomatoes, green chilies, and sour cream.

Add in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and hot sauce, stirring until thick and cheese is melted.

Stir in frozen corn and transfer the mixture to a 9 by 13 pan.

Layer a single layer of tater tots on top of the mixture.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and sprinkle with 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Return to the oven uncovered until the cheese is melted and the tater tots are golden brown.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens