Skip to Content

Cowboy Casserole

0 Comments

This Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting dish packed with ground beef, crispy tater tots, corn, and melty cheese. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or potlucks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Easy & Budget-Friendly – Uses simple pantry ingredients.
✔️ Hearty & Filling – Packed with protein, veggies, and cheese.
✔️ Family-Friendly – Everyone loves tater tots and cheese!
✔️ Customizable – Add extra veggies, beans, or spice.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
  • ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 1 cup frozen corn (or canned, drained)
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained (optional for spice)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack)
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

For Topping (Optional):

  • ¼ cup green onions, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart until browned.
  3. Drain any excess grease.
  4. Stir in onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2 minutes until onions are soft.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole Base

  1. In a large bowl, mix cooked ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, corn, and Rotel tomatoes.
  2. Stir in ½ cup shredded cheese.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  2. Sprinkle ½ cup shredded cheese over the mixture.
  3. Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the top.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

  1. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until the tater tots are crispy.
  2. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheese on top and bake for 5-10 more minutes, until melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with green onions and red pepper flakes (optional).
  2. Serve warm and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

🥗 Pair with a Side Salad – A fresh Caesar or garden salad balances the richness.
🌶️ Make It Spicy – Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick.
🥓 Bacon Lover’s Version – Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the top before baking.

Storage & Meal Prep

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
  • Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I make this without cream of mushroom soup?

Yes! Substitute with cream of chicken soup or mix 1 cup heavy cream with 1 tablespoon flour.

2. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

Yes! Use thinly sliced potatoes but bake for 45-50 minutes until tender.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free cheese and coconut milk or cashew cream instead of sour cream.

4. How can I add more protein?

Mix in black beans, kidney beans, or extra lean turkey.

5. Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Cowboy Casserole is cheesy, hearty, and full of flavor—a perfect comfort food dish that the whole family will love! Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s an easy and delicious meal you’ll want to make again and again.

🤠🍲 Tried this recipe? Let me know how you liked it! 😊