Creating Classic Cowboy Casserole is simple if you follow these steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Beans and Corn: Stir in the black beans and corn until well combined.
5. Mix in Soup: Add the cream of mushroom soup, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until mixture is creamy and heated through.
6. Layer in Casserole Dish: Pour the meat mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread evenly across the bottom.
7. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat mixture.
8. Top with Tater Tots: Evenly distribute the frozen tater tots on top of the cheese.
9. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
10. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

These straightforward instructions will help you create this incredible dish with ease.