why make this recipe
Cowboy Casserole is a perfect dish for busy weeknights or a fun family gathering. It combines savory ground beef, creamy mushrooms, and crispy tater tots in one hearty meal. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also satisfying to the whole family. Plus, it takes just about an hour from start to finish, and you might already have most of the ingredients at home!
how to make Cowboy Casserole
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
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir until well combined.
- In a greased baking dish, layer the beef mixture, followed by the drained corn, and then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
- Finally, arrange the tater tots evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
how to serve Cowboy Casserole
Serve this delicious Cowboy Casserole hot from the oven. It makes a great main dish. You can pair it with a simple green salad or some garlic bread on the side for extra flavor. This dish is also perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, just scoop and serve!
how to store Cowboy Casserole
Once cool, store any leftover Cowboy Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
tips to make Cowboy Casserole
- For extra flavor, consider adding some diced onions or bell peppers when cooking the ground beef.
- Feel free to mix different types of cheese for a unique twist.
- If you want to make it a little spicy, add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
variation
You can customize Cowboy Casserole by using other proteins like ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, use cooked lentils or black beans instead of meat. You can also replace the cream of mushroom soup with a cream of chicken or even a homemade white sauce for different flavors.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned corn?
Yes, you can! Fresh or frozen mixed vegetables can work well in this recipe.
Can I make Cowboy Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What should I do if I don’t have tater tots?
If you don’t have tater tots, you can use frozen hash browns or even make your own potato mixture as a topping.
Cowboy Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A hearty and easy-to-make casserole featuring ground beef, creamy mushrooms, and crispy tater tots. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
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
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir until well combined.
- In a greased baking dish, layer the beef mixture, followed by the drained corn, and then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
- Arrange the tater tots evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding diced onions or bell peppers when cooking the ground beef. Mix different types of cheese for a unique twist. Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for some heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
