Cowboy Casserole: An Easy and Delicious Ground Beef and Tater Tot Bake Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With layers of savory ground beef, creamy soup, corn, cheese, and crispy tater tots, it’s both easy to make and deliciously satisfying.

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, followed by the drained corn, and then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
5. Step 5: Finally, 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 it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add diced green chilies or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery for a taste twist.
• Use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and cheddar for a richer topping.
• Add diced bell peppers or onions to the beef mixture for added texture and flavor.

Storage

Store 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) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving is also possible but may soften the tater tots’ crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?

Yes, fresh or frozen corn can be used. If using fresh, blanch the kernels briefly before adding. Adjust liquid as needed since canned corn is already moist.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole in the baking dish, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Cowboy Casserole: An Easy and Delicious Ground Beef and Tater Tot Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 67 reviews

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting one-dish meal that combines seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, sweet corn, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a satisfying family dinner or potluck, offering rich flavors and a delightful blend of textures.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat & Dairy

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1/2 cup milk

Canned Goods

• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

Frozen Items

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Spices & Seasonings

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole evenly.
2. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
3. Mix Ingredients: Add cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined, forming a creamy beef mixture.
4. Layer Ingredients: Grease a baking dish, then spread the beef mixture evenly at the bottom. Next, layer the drained corn on top of the beef, followed by a generous sprinkling of shredded cheese.
5. Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single even layer over the cheese, ensuring full coverage for a crispy topping.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and be easier to serve.

Notes

• You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile.
• Feel free to add chopped onions or bell peppers to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
• Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy taste or a blend of cheeses for complexity.
• Make sure to drain the corn well to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the beef mixture.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture retention.

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