Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines savory ground beef, crispy tater tots, and melted cheese in one easy meal. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this casserole is simple to prepare and delivers big on 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: 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 green peppers when browning the beef.
• Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for a different taste.
• Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar for a gooier texture.
• Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

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 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the tater tots crispy.

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 the night before and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

While fresh potatoes can be used, tater tots provide a convenient crispy topping. If substituting, parboil and season cubed potatoes before layering and baking until golden.

Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 93 reviews

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

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Description

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish combining savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, sweet corn, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a family dinner, this all-in-one casserole is quick to prepare and packed with classic American flavors.

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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

Frozen

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Spices

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

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
2. Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, stirring to break it apart. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
3. Mix Beef with Sauce and Spices: Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the browned beef. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Layer Ingredients: Grease a baking dish, then layer the beef mixture at the bottom. Spread the drained corn evenly over the beef, then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top to create a cheesy layer.
5. Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the cheese, ensuring good coverage so they become crispy when baked.
6. Bake Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, indicating the casserole is heated through and ready to serve.
7. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking to allow it to set slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy.

Notes

• Use cheddar cheese or any melty cheese of your choice for best results.
• For a spicier variation, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• Try substituting cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for different flavors.
• Make sure to drain the tater tots well to keep the casserole from becoming soggy.
• This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; add an extra 5-10 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.

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

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