All of the flavors of a beef taco plus Tater Tots.

Bonus points if its meaty, cheesy, and filled with taco-esque flavors with a crispy top.

Cowboy casserole is all that and moreeverything I look for in a hearty casserole.

cowboy casserole in a casserole dish next to a plate with a serving

Simply Recipes / Photo by Will Dickey / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Christina Daley

Topped with potato tots that crisp up in the hot oven, the whole family will fall in love.

Reheat the filling before adding to the dish and topping with the potato tots.

Defrost in the fridge before baking.

spoonful of cowboy casserole lifted from a casserole dish with more

Simply Recipes / Photo by Will Dickey / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Christina Daley

Heat the oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium-high.

Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until softened and translucent, about 4 minutes.

Add the beef and break it apart with a spoon.

sauteed onions cooked in a pan for cowboy casserole recipe

Simply Recipes / Photo by Will Dickey / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Christina Daley

Cook, stirring often, until browned, 5 to 6 minutes.

Add the pinto beans, tomatoes, and frozen corn and stir until incorporated, about 1 minute.

Remove from the heat and stir in the sour cream and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese.

ground beef stirred into the cooked onions in the pot for cowboy casserole recipe

Simply Recipes / Photo by Will Dickey / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Christina Daley

Stir until creamy and saucy, about 1 minute.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle evenly with the remaining 1 1/2 cups cheese.

canned tomatoes and beans added to pot with ground beef and onions for cowboy casserole recipe

Simply Recipes / Photo by Will Dickey / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Christina Daley

Arrange the potato tots in a single layer over the cheese.

Garnish with cilantro, if desired.

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

sour cream and cheeses mixed added to the same pot for cowboy casserole recipe

Simply Recipes / Photo by Will Dickey / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Christina Daley

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cowboy casserole filling added to a casserole dish and topped with shredded cheese

Simply Recipes / Photo by Will Dickey / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Christina Daley

cowboy casserole filling topped with frozen tater tots

Simply Recipes / Photo by Will Dickey / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Christina Daley