Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, sweet corn, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots, this casserole combines simple ingredients into a satisfying meal everyone 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 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 the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding diced green chilies or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different taste.
• Use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack and cheddar for a richer, meltier topping.
• To make it a bit healthier, substitute sweet potato tots instead of regular tater tots.

Storage

Store leftover Cowboy Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Avoid freezing as the tater tots may lose their crispness.

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 few hours before baking and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving for best results.

Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?

Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can be used in place of ground beef to suit your preferences.

Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 67 reviews

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

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Description

Cowboy Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for a family dinner. Featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup mixture, sweet corn, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection, this casserole combines classic flavors with an easy preparation method for a deliciously satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly until fully cooked, then drain off any excess fat for a leaner dish.
3. Mix Soup and Seasonings: Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef, stirring well until all ingredients are evenly combined into a creamy mixture.
4. Layer Ingredients: Grease a baking dish and spread the beef mixture evenly on the bottom. Next, add a layer of drained corn, then sprinkle shredded cheese over the top for a richly flavored layer.
5. Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly across the cheese layer to create the top crust of the casserole.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crisp to ensure a crunchy topping.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier.

Notes

• You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup for a different flavor variation.
• Use reduced-fat cheese and ground turkey to make this dish lighter.
• Adding diced green chilies or jalapeños can add a spicy kick.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.

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

Keywords: Cowboy Casserole, tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, comfort food, easy dinner recipe