why make this recipe
I love a meal that feels like a warm hug. This cowboy casserole does just that. It mixes simple pantry staples with a little comfort. It’s great for busy weeknights and low-effort weekends. If you want the classic version I’m sharing here, this cowboy casserole is your new go-to.
how to make Cowboy Casserole: Discover a Deliciously Easy Recipe!
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.
If you want a crowd-pleasing side idea for the same night, try serving this alongside something handheld like my BBQ chicken quesadillas for an easy combo.
how to serve Cowboy Casserole: Discover a Deliciously Easy Recipe!
Serve it straight from the dish. Scoop hearty portions onto plates. Add a simple green salad for freshness. I also love putting extra shredded cheese on top when it’s hot. For a richer pairing, try it with a creamy side like boursin cheese pasta to balance the crispy tots.
how to store Cowboy Casserole: Discover a Deliciously Easy Recipe!
Cool the leftover casserole to room temperature. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through to keep the tots crisp. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Cowboy Casserole: Discover a Deliciously Easy Recipe!
Use lean ground beef to reduce grease. Drain the cooked beef well. Don’t skip seasoning—garlic and onion powder give great flavor. Swap the cream of mushroom for cream of chicken if you prefer. If you want a spicier version, add a chopped jalapeño to the beef. For another easy pasta-style comfort food, I love my cowboy butter chicken pasta on nights when I’m craving something saucy.
variation (if any)
Make it vegetarian by using cooked lentils or a plant-based crumble instead of beef. Swap corn for black beans or bell peppers. Change the topping from tater tots to thinly sliced potatoes for a different texture. You can also switch cheeses—pepper jack adds a nice kick. Or skip the tots and serve the beef mixture over pasta like in my easy chicken alfredo for a comfort-food mashup.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain excess water, or add it straight in if you like extra moisture. Adjust baking time if needed.
Q: Can I assemble this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if chilled.
Q: How do I keep the tater tots crispy when reheating?
A: Reheat in the oven at 350°F uncovered. A little foil-free time helps the tots crisp back up.
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Cowboy Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A hearty cowboy casserole that combines ground beef, corn, cheese, and tater tots for a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
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 a vegetarian option, use cooked lentils instead of beef. Pair with a fresh green salad or creamy pasta for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cowboy casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, tater tots, ground beef
