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Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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