Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. With layers of seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots, it’s a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and satisfying to eat.

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 evenly, then spread the drained corn over it, and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
5. Step 5: 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 added flavor, mix in some chopped green chilies or diced bell peppers with the beef mixture.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cream of celery to vary the taste.
• Use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack and cheddar for a richer flavor.
• Make it vegetarian by replacing ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the tater tots regain some crispiness.

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 up to a day in advance, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and bake it when ready.

What can I use instead of tater tots?

You can substitute tater tots with frozen hash browns or diced potatoes for a similar texture and taste.

Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 54 reviews

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

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Description

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting one-dish meal featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, sweet corn, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, this casserole offers a delicious blend of savory flavors and textures all in one pan.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Dairy

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1/2 cup milk

Vegetables and Canned Goods

• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

Other

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Cook the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked; then drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness in the casserole.
3. Mix the beef with soup and seasonings: Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the browned beef in the skillet. Stir everything thoroughly until combined into a creamy mixture.
4. Assemble the casserole – layer one: Grease a baking dish and spread the beef and soup mixture evenly on the bottom.
5. Layer two: Sprinkle the drained corn evenly over the beef mixture layer to add sweetness and texture.
6. Layer three: Evenly distribute the shredded cheese on top of the corn layer for a melty, cheesy topping.
7. Top with tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, covering the entire surface of the casserole.
8. Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
9. Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes once baked to set slightly, then serve warm.

Notes

• For a crispier tater tot topping, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking—watch carefully to prevent burning.
• Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup if preferred.
• Add chopped onions or bell peppers to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
• This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if cooking directly from chilled.

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

Keywords: cowboy casserole, tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner recipes, comfort food