I called this dish “Cowboy Casserole” when I first made it, but it’s more Napoleon Dynamite than Marlboro Man…Nerdy, crunchy delish!
It’s the layers of flavor that make this dish so awesome…
Melt cheese under the broiler for a couple minutes before serving
Cowboy Casserole aka “Tots of Delish”
Ingredients
Layer 1:
- Flour or corn tortillas
Layer 2:
- 1 to 1.5 pounds ground beef or chuck
Spice Seasoning:
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Layer 3: Black Beans
- 1 can black beans (drained)
- 2 garlic cloves diced
- 1/2 onion diced
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 Tb fresh cilantro
- Layer 4: Roasted jalapeño corn
- 1 can of corn (drained) or 4 ears with kernels cut off
- 1 jalapeño diced (I keep the seeds for some added heat)
- 1 Tb Mexican crema or cream cheese
- 1 Tb olive oil
- Layer 5: Tater Tots
- 1/2 bag of Tater tots
- Layer 6: Cheeeeeeeese (your fave Mexican cheese combo)
- Cilantro for Garnish
Instructions
Layer 1: Flour or corn tortillas
1. Line a casserole dish with tortillas and bake until crisped up slightly, for 5 minutes at 425.
Layer 2: Taco Meat
2. Brown beef and drain. Add spice mix and 1/2 cup of water. Simmer until combined, about 5 minutes on medium heat.
Layer 3: Black Beans
3. Saute diced garlic and onion in olive oil over medium heat until soft, 5-7 minutes. Add chili powder, salt and cilantro.
Layer 4: Roasted jalapeño corn
4. Saute corn and jalapeño in olive oil over medium-high heat until corn starts to brown slightly, 5-7 minutes. Turn heat down and add crema or cream cheese and stir to combine and melt.
Layer 5: Tater Tots
5. Lay out half the bag on a cookie sheet and cook for 20-25 minutes at 425.
Layer 6: Cheeeeeeeese
6. Once you’ve put the layers together and topped the cheese on the tots, broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and browns slightly…Garnish with more fresh cilantro.
You might just find yourself stuffing it into your pockets to save for later….just sayin’.
Gimme your tots!
