Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, sweet corn, and crispy tater tots. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy a crowd.

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 any 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, spread the beef mixture evenly. Layer the drained corn over the beef, then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
5. Step 5: Arrange the frozen 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, sauté some diced onions and bell peppers with the beef before mixing in the soup.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or celery soup for a different taste.
• Use sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses to add more depth to the dish.
• To add a bit of spice, mix in some chili powder or diced jalapeños with the beef.

Storage

Store any 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) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. For best texture, reheating in the oven helps keep the tater tots crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking chilled.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

While fresh potatoes can be used, tater tots provide a unique crispy topping. If using fresh potatoes, slice thinly and parboil before layering, then bake until tender and golden.

Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 690 reviews

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

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Description

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting one-dish meal combining seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, sweet corn, cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavors and textures everyone will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Vegetables and Cheese

• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)

Topping

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your casserole.
2. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once done, drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
3. Mix the Sauce: To the browned beef, add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined, creating a creamy and flavorful beef mixture.
4. Layer the Casserole: Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread the beef mixture evenly at the bottom, then layer the drained corn over the beef. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top of the corn layer to add richness and a melty texture.
5. Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. This will create a crispy, golden crust once baked.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots turn golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is heated through.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes so it can set slightly before serving, ensuring easier slicing and serving.

Notes

• For extra flavor, consider adding diced onions or bell peppers to the beef while browning.
• You can swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for variation.
• Use a mixture of cheese like cheddar and Monterey Jack for enhanced taste.
• If you want a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• To keep the tater tots crispier, place them on top of the cheese instead of mixing them into the casserole.

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

Keywords: cowboy casserole, tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner recipes, baked casserole