Cowboy Casserole

Cowboy Casserole makes the most of everyday ingredients by transforming a can of this and a pound of that into a hearty casserole. Make the base by cooking down a chopped yellow onion in a skillet. Toss in slices of fresh garlic with the onion and as they cook together, the flavors will meld to create a savory base for the rest of the dish. Brown a pound of ground beef to the skillet and season with a packet of taco seasoning. Adding the packet to the warm meat and onion mixture let the spices bloom in the naturally rendered fat from the beef, intensifying their flavor.Dump cans of black beans, pinto beans, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, and diced green chiles into the skillet to add heartiness to the casserole. Stir in a little sour cream and cheese to lend a touch of creaminess, and add hot sauce and frozen corn kernels for some spice and sweetness. Lastly, once the mix has been transferred to a baking dish, line the surface with a single layer of tater tots that crisp in the oven while the bottoms bake into the casserole. It's this layer of crispy potato on top that makes Cowboy Casserole famous—once you try it, you'll know why.