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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
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.
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.
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.
Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly across the cheese layer to create the top crust of the casserole.
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.
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