Cowboy Casserole Recipe
This hearty Cowboy Casserole layers seasoned ground beef with creamy mushroom soup, sweet corn, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots for a comforting, all-in-one dish perfect for a family dinner.
- Author: Tara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Mix Sauce: Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef and stir well to combine into a creamy, flavorful mixture.
- Layer Ingredients: Grease a baking dish, then spread the beef mixture evenly on the bottom, layer the drained corn on top, and sprinkle with shredded cheese to add richness.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single even layer over the cheese for a crispy, golden topping once baked.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set and ensure safe eating temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup for the mushroom soup if preferred.
- Use your favorite cheese blend such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor.
- For added veggies, consider mixing in diced bell peppers or onions with the beef.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- For a lower-fat option, use lean ground beef and reduced-fat cheese.
Keywords: cowboy casserole, tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, easy family dinner, cheesy casserole