Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, crispy tater tots, and melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
3. Step 3: Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir until well combined.
4. Step 4: In a greased baking dish, layer the beef mixture, followed by the drained corn, and then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
5. Step 5: Finally, arrange the tater tots evenly over the cheese layer.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
7. Step 7: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add diced onions or bell peppers when browning the beef.
• Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for a different taste.
• Top with sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to add a spicy kick.
• Use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack and cheddar for more depth.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the tater tots crispy. Microwaving is quicker but may soften the topping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it uncovered for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

While fresh potatoes can be used, you’ll need to parboil or partially cook them first. Tater tots provide a convenient crispy topping without extra prep.

Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 137 reviews

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting baked dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, sweet corn, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots. This one-pan meal is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, combining rich flavors and textures into a simple, satisfying casserole.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Mixture

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables and Cheese

• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)

Topping

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
3. Mix the Beef with Soup and Seasonings: Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef in the skillet. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble Layers in Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish and layer the beef mixture evenly on the bottom. Next, add the drained corn over the beef. Then sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top of the corn layer.
5. Add Tater Tot Topping: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. This topping will bake into a crispy golden crust.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven, and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are cooked through and golden brown with a crispy exterior.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking to allow it to set. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• You can swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or celery soup for a different flavor.
• Feel free to add diced onions or bell peppers to the beef mixture for extra veggies.
• Use your favorite cheese blend or add a sprinkle of mozzarella for a gooey finish.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
• Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it hold together better when sliced.

Keywords: Cowboy Casserole, ground beef casserole, tater tot casserole, easy casserole, comfort food, family dinner, baked casserole