If you crave a soul-satisfying dish that combines comforting flavors with a touch of bold Tex-Mex flair, the Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. This hearty, all-in-one casserole brings together savory ground beef, smoky chorizo, spicy jalapeños, and two kinds of melty cheese, all crowned with crispy tater tots. It’s a delicious crowd-pleaser that’s incredibly simple to prepare, making weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers both easy and memorable. Trust me, once you try this casserole, it will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for the Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole Recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each item plays an essential role, whether adding texture, depth of flavor, or vibrant color to this comforting dish.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): The perfect base for sautéing and developing rich flavors.
- Onion, diced (1): Adds sweetness and a tender bite that balances the spices.
- Salt (1 teaspoon plus 1/2 teaspoon later): Enhances every ingredient, ensuring a well-rounded taste.
- Chorizo, diced (2oz/50g): Brings a smoky, spicy richness that elevates the beef.
- Pickled jalapeños, chopped (1/3 cup): Adds a lively kick—feel free to swap with fresh jalapeños for more heat.
- Garlic cloves, crushed (2): A classic flavor booster that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Chili powder (3 teaspoons total): Infuses warm, smoky heat that defines cowboy-style dishes.
- Ground cumin (2 teaspoons): Adds earthy depth and a subtle nutty aroma.
- Smoked paprika (2 teaspoons): Intensifies smoky notes and gives the dish stunning color.
- Dried oregano (2 teaspoons): Offers herby undertones that balance the spice blend.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds brightness and mild heat throughout.
- Ground beef (1lb/500g): The hearty protein foundation of this robust casserole.
- Crushed tomatoes (2 cans, 14.5oz/400g each): Creates a rich, tangy sauce that ties everything together.
- Black beans, drained (1 can, 14.5oz/400g): Adds creamy texture and nutrition.
- Corn (1 cup fresh/frozen/canned): Sweet bursts that brighten the dish’s flavor profile.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (a handful): Provides fresh herbal notes and a pop of green.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Brings sharp, melty goodness that’s irresistible.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Adds gooey, stretchy texture for that perfect cheesy finish.
- Tater tots: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these make the topping wonderfully crunchy.
- Large ripe avocado (1): Whipped into a zesty, creamy garnish to cool and complement the spice.
- Lime juice (1 lime): Brightens the avocado mash with a refreshing citrus zing.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): The perfect tangy dollop to balance rich flavors.
How to Make Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the onion and chorizo
Begin by heating your oven to 430F/220C. In a large ovenproof skillet, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in diced onion and diced chorizo along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Sauté until the onion softens and the chorizo releases its flavorful oils, creating a tantalizing aroma that sets the tone for the dish.
Step 2: Add the spices
Now it’s time to build layers of intense flavor. Add chopped pickled jalapeños, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, crushed garlic, and a generous grind of black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together, letting the spices toast lightly with the onion and chorizo for a few minutes. This step is where the cowboy personality really shines through.
Step 3: Cook the beef
Next, introduce the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook, stirring occasionally, until it browns evenly and no longer looks raw. This browning seals in the meat’s juices while mixing perfectly with the flavorful base you created.
Step 4: Add the tomatoes, beans, and corn
Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes, drained black beans, corn, and 3/4 cup of water (I like to refill an empty tomato can with water for extra tomatoey goodness). Stir well to combine with the beef, then lower the heat and simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This thickens the sauce while melding all those hearty ingredients together.
Step 5: Arrange the tater tots
Give your chili a taste, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle half of your shredded cheese all over the mixture, then layer the tater tots on top. Whether you prefer a neat circular pattern or a rustic, casual scatter, you’re building a golden, comforting crust that will bake to perfection.
Step 6: Bake the casserole
Scatter the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the tater tots. Transfer the whole skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the tater tots to turn a deep golden brown while the chili bubbles up hot and ready to eat.
Step 7: Make the whipped avocado
While the casserole bakes, scoop the ripe avocado flesh into a bowl. Add lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt, then mash with a fork until creamy and smooth. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. This whipped avocado topping adds a beautifully cooling contrast to the warm, spicy casserole.
Step 8: Garnish and serve
Once the casserole comes out of the oven, dollop sour cream and whipped avocado on top, scatter some extra cilantro leaves, and sprinkle a touch of chili powder for an extra pop. Serve it hot and watch everyone fall in love bite after cheesy, flavorful bite.
How to Serve Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh, bright garnishes like chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and dollops of sour cream or whipped avocado truly elevate this casserole. They cut through the richness and add layers of contrasting texture and freshness.
Side Dishes
The beauty of this dish is it stands strong on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving it with a simple green salad, crisp tortilla chips for scooping, or even a side of smoky grilled vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the casserole family-style right in the pan for a cozy vibe, or plate individual servings topped with vibrant garnishes and a lime wedge. For a fun twist, serve alongside warm flour tortillas for DIY cowboy casserole tacos.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it an ideal prepared meal for busy days.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, transfer cooled casserole portions to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger servings in a covered ovenproof dish at 350F/175C until heated through and bubbly. You can add an extra sprinkle of cheese before reheating for some fresh melty goodness.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground beef and chorizo with plant-based meat crumbles or extra beans and vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian twist.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
You can reduce or omit the jalapeños and chili powder to lessen the heat. The dish will still be flavorful thanks to the smokiness of paprika and the savory base ingredients.
Can I use frozen tater tots?
Yes, frozen tater tots work perfectly for this recipe. Just arrange them directly on top as instructed and bake until golden and crispy.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
This dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free canned tomatoes and beans and check that your spices are gluten-free certified.
How can I make the whipped avocado in advance?
You can prepare the whipped avocado a few hours ahead and cover it tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent browning. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole Recipe is a comforting, flavorful, and downright fun dish to make and eat. Whether you’re cooking for the family or entertaining friends, it delivers bold flavors, cheesy indulgence, and satisfying textures with minimal fuss. Give it a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes one of your favorite recipes to turn to when you want something hearty and utterly delicious.
Print
Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish combining spiced ground beef, chorizo, black beans, corn, and chilies, topped with melted cheeses and crispy tater tots. Baked to golden perfection and served with a zesty whipped avocado and sour cream, this casserole is perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus extra for seasoning)
- 2oz/50g chorizo, diced
- 1/3 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped (or 2 fresh jalapeños)
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
Spices
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (plus 2 teaspoons for garnish)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Black pepper, to taste
Main Casserole Components
- 1lb/500g ground beef
- 2 cans crushed tomatoes (14.5oz/400g each)
- 1 can black beans, drained (14.5oz/400g)
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Handful fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Tater tots (quantity enough to cover the casserole top, approx. 2-3 cups or 500g)
Whipped Avocado Topping
- 1 large ripe avocado
- A handful cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional Toppings
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Cook the onion and chorizo: Heat a large, high-sided ovenproof skillet or pan over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the diced onion, diced chorizo, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir and cook for a few minutes until the onion softens and the chorizo releases its flavorful oil.
- Add the spices: Mix in chopped pickled jalapeños, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, crushed garlic, and black pepper. Stir together and cook for an additional 2 minutes to release the spices’ aroma.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the pan and break it up with a spatula or wooden spoon. Continue cooking and stirring occasionally until the beef is fully browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes, beans, and corn: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, drained black beans, corn, and 3/4 cup water (using the empty tomato can to measure and rinse). Stir well and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and simmer gently for about 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Arrange the tater tots: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Scatter half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the chili mixture. Arrange the tater tots on top of the cheese layer in a circular or rustic pattern.
- Bake the casserole: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the tater tots. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven at 430°F (220°C) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and the chili mixture is bubbling.
- Make the whipped avocado: While baking, scoop the avocado flesh into a small bowl. Add lime juice, chopped cilantro, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mash with a fork until creamy and season to taste with more salt or lime if needed. Set aside.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven. Dollop sour cream on top followed by spoonfuls of whipped avocado. Sprinkle extra cilantro and chili powder garnish. Serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more fresh jalapeños or increase chili powder.
- Use an ovenproof skillet or transfer mixture to a casserole dish if needed.
- Tater tots quantity can be adjusted based on preference; ensure enough to cover the surface.
- Fresh cilantro adds brightness, but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southwestern
