Cowboy Casserole: An Easy and Delicious Ground Beef and Tater Tot Bake Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single even layer over the cheese, ensuring full coverage for a crispy topping.
- 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.
- 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
