Cowboy Casserole

This family-favorite dish is a “warm hug on a plate,” featuring a hearty layer of seasoned ground beef and corn, topped with gooey melted cheese and a crispy blanket of tater tots. It’s a quick, 50-minute meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Table of Contents

• Ingredients for Cowboy Casserole
• Simple Step-by-Step Instructions
• Chef’s Tips for Success
• FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
• Conclusion

Ingredients for Cowboy Casserole

This comforting, crowd-pleasing recipe yields 6 servings:

The Base

• Ground beef: 1 lb
• Corn (canned, drained): 1 can (15 oz)
• Shredded cheese (Cheddar or similar): 2 cups

Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup: 1 can (10.5 oz)
• Milk: 1/2 cup

Seasoning

• Garlic powder: 1 tsp
• Onion powder: 1 tsp
• Salt and Pepper: To taste

The Topping

• Frozen tater tots: 1 bag (32 oz)

Simple Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Brown

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink (5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat to prevent a greasy casserole.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Mixture

In the same skillet with the beef, stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the sauce is smooth and well combined with the meat.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

• Beef: Spread the creamy beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
• Corn & Cheese: Spread the drained corn over the beef, then sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the corn.
• Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the cheese.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Place in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. The casserole is ready when the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to help the layers set.

Chef’s Tips for Success

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace the ground beef with black beans or lentils for a hearty meatless version.
• Kick of Heat: Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or use Pepper Jack cheese to spice things up.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish entirely, cover tightly, and store in the fridge. When ready to eat, bake as directed (you may need to add 5–10 minutes to the bake time if starting from a cold fridge).
• Storage: Leftovers keep for 3 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Can I use a different “Cream of” soup?Yes! Cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a cheddar cheese soup works well if you aren’t a fan of mushroom.
• Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?No, use them straight from the freezer. This ensures they get crispy on the outside without becoming mushy on the inside.
• How can I make the tots extra crispy?If the tots aren’t as crispy as you’d like after 30 minutes, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Just keep a close eye on it so the cheese doesn’t burn!

Conclusion

The Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate “set it and forget it” oven meal that the whole family will love. With its layers of creamy beef and crunchy potato, it’s pure comfort in every bite.

Would you like me to find a recipe for a Fresh Green Salad or Garlic Bread to serve alongside this?