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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
