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…
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’.