BBQ Tater Tot Casserole

Why This BBQ Tater Tot Casserole Stands Out:

Tater tot hotdish, or Cowboy Casserole, is an incredibly filling viral dinner recipe full of intense flavors and sure to become a family favorite recipe in no time!

• Filling: Designed to satisfy, this hearty casserole with Rotel and BBQ flavors is a complete meal, cutting down on the need for additional sides.
• Versatile: With its roots in the old-fashioned tater tot casserole, this dish allows for creativity, letting you tweak it with extra veggies or spices to suit your taste.

List of ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Seasonings: cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper
• Fresh: green pepper, small onion
• Canned: diced tomatoes, beef broth
• Frozen: corn kernels, tater tots
• BBQ sauce, sour cream, and shredded cheese

How to Craft This Cowboy Casserole with Tater Tots:

Prep Your Skillet:

Start by browning 1 lb. of ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s cooked, drain any excess grease.

Season the beef:

Add 1 tbsp of cumin, 1 tbsp of chili powder, ½ tbsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of salt, and ¼ tsp of black pepper to the beef. Stir everything together until the meat is well coated with the seasonings.

Cook Veggies:

In the same skillet as the meat mixture, sauté one chopped green pepper and one diced small onion until soft and tender.

Combine the Mix:

Bring the seasoned beef back into the skillet with the veggies. Then, mix in 14.5 oz of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of corn kernels, ½ cup of beef broth, and ½ cup of BBQ sauce. Stir everything together well.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake your casserole dish in an oven preheated to 375°F for 30–35 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be bubbly and the tots to turn a lovely golden brown.

This creamy, delicious dinner combines beef, various BBQ seasonings, and tater tots as the final filling layer, making a sincere twist on one of the best classic comfort foods.

Serving Suggestions:

This cowboy crack casserole is a standalone marvel, but pair it with a simple salad for larger gatherings to extend the meal.

Expert Cooking Tips:

• Freshness First, assemble just before baking to maintain the texture of the tater tots and frozen corn.
• Spice It Up: Add green chilies and jalapeños, or serve with hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Crispy Finish: A brief broil can add that desired golden crispiness for crunchier tots—watch closely to avoid burning.
• Variations: People often ask about adding beans because this is a cowboy-inspired meal. You can add any number of beans (black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, maybe not baked beans). However, if you choose to add beans, make sure they are rinsed before adding them, or you will turn the mixture dark brown. 

Explore More:

• Are you looking for more viral dinner inspiration? Check out all of the recipes we tested from TikTok for easy, sensational recipes, like the creamy sundried tomato chicken pasta or the inventive cornbread chili bowl.