Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners. It combines savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, crispy tater tots, and melted cheese for a satisfying one-pan meal anyone 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
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Step 3: Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir until well combined.
- Step 4: In a greased baking dish, layer the beef mixture evenly, then spread the drained corn over it, and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Step 5: Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly over the cheese layer.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Step 7: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add diced onions or bell peppers when browning the beef.
- Swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for a different taste.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy kick.
- Top with chopped green onions or fresh parsley before serving for added freshness.
Storage
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15 minutes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Cowboy Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point before baking and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh corn kernels work well. Use about 1 to 1 1/2 cups of fresh corn and lightly sauté them before adding to the casserole layers to reduce moisture.
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Cowboy Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, creamy mushroom soup, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots. This one-pan oven casserole combines savory flavors with a satisfying crispy topping, making it an easy and crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Beef 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
Additional Layers
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once done, drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Combine Beef Mixture: Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper directly to the browned beef in the skillet. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Layer Ingredients: Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread the beef mixture in an even layer at the bottom. Next, distribute the drained corn evenly over the beef mixture. Then sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly atop the corn layer.
- Add Tater Tot Topping: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the cheese to create a crispy topping once baked.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots turn golden brown and crispy to your liking.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for a different flavor.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the beef mixture.
- Use shredded cheese varieties such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different taste profile.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cowboy casserole, ground beef casserole, tater tot casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy casserole, layered casserole
