Why Make This Recipe
Cowboy Casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to whip up a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a family favorite. The best part? It only requires a handful of ingredients that you might already have in your pantry! Plus, it’s filling and satisfying, making it great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
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
Cowboy Casserole is best served hot right out of the oven. You can plate generous portions and enjoy it as is, or pair it with a simple green salad for a refreshing touch. It’s also delicious with a dollop of sour cream or some sliced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
How to Store Cowboy Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can also freeze it. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Tips to Make Cowboy Casserole
- Feel free to add your favorite veggies, like bell peppers or green beans, to boost the nutritional value.
- For an extra cheesy casserole, sprinkle some cheese on top of the tater tots before baking.
- If you want a spicy kick, add some diced green chilies or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Variation
You can easily make this recipe healthier by substituting ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with a mix of black beans and diced vegetables.
FAQs
Can I make Cowboy Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Absolutely! You can slice fresh potatoes into thin rounds to create a similar topping.
What should I do if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can use any cream soup, like cream of chicken or even a homemade cream sauce, as a substitute.
Cowboy Casserole
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A hearty Cowboy Casserole made with ground beef, corn, cheese, and crispy tater tots, 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 extra flavor, add your favorite veggies or sprinkle additional cheese on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American