Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Combining savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, crisp tater tots, and melted cheese, it’s an all-in-one meal that the whole family will love.

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

• Try adding diced green peppers or jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra flavor and a bit of heat.
• Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for a different twist.
• Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a richer taste.
• For a lower-carb option, swap tater tots with cauliflower tots or roasted vegetables.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to maintain the tater tots’ texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Cowboy Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake as directed when ready.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, Cowboy Casserole freezes well. Freeze before baking, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 116 reviews

• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting layered dish featuring seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, creamy mushroom soup, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners and combines savory flavors with delightful textures in one satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained

Dairy

• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk

Spices

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Other

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
3. Combine Ingredients: Stir the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the cooked ground beef until everything is well mixed and flavorful.
4. Layer the Casserole: Grease a baking dish then spread the beef mixture evenly on the bottom. Layer the drained corn over the beef, and sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the corn.
5. Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly over the cheese layer to create a crispy topping once baked.
6. Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking to set, then serve warm.

Notes

• You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for a different flavor.
• Use sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese taste or a mild cheese if preferred.
• To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure the cream of mushroom soup and tater tots are labeled gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cowboy casserole, tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, easy casserole recipe, comfort food, baked casserole