Cowboy Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cowboy Casserole is a complete meal that’s hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor. The ground beef and savory seasonings are balanced perfectly with the creamy texture of sour cream and cheese, while the tater tots add a crispy, golden topping that makes this casserole irresistible. It’s versatile enough to be customized with different vegetables, beans, or seasonings to suit your taste. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)

• 1 cup (240g) sour cream

• 1 1/2 cups (150g) shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

• Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Cook the ground beef:

   • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is browned and cooked through, drain any excess fat.

3. Add the seasonings and vegetables:

   • To the cooked ground beef, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the sweet corn and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

4. Make the casserole filling:

   • In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Stir until smooth. Add the soup mixture to the cooked beef and vegetable mixture, and stir until everything is well combined. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

5. Assemble the casserole:

   • Spread the beef and soup mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

   • Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the beef mixture in a single layer.

6. Bake the casserole:

   • Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots.

   • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

7. Serve:

   • Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 35 minutes

• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can add chopped bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.

• Swap the Beef: Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative to ground beef.

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the casserole a little heat.

• Cheese Options: Use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

• Beans: You can add a can of drained black beans or kidney beans for an extra boost of protein and fiber.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezing: To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

• Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

Yes, you can use sliced potatoes or diced potatoes. Just layer them on top of the casserole, and bake until they’re cooked through and crispy.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to cook, bake as instructed, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute dairy products with dairy-free alternatives. Use dairy-free sour cream, cheese, and a dairy-free cream soup substitute.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

Add some diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili powder to give the casserole a spicier kick.

Can I use a different type of soup?

Yes, if you don’t like cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup for a different flavor.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the filling is bubbly. You can also check that the center is hot by inserting a toothpick or fork.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

To make the casserole gluten-free, ensure that the cream of mushroom soup and tater tots are gluten-free. Some tater tot brands may contain gluten, so be sure to check the label.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables or use plant-based meat substitutes to make it vegetarian.

Conclusion

Cowboy Casserole is a classic comfort food that’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for a filling weeknight dinner or a dish to bring to a potluck. The combination of beef, tater tots, and creamy cheese is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Best of all, it’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes. Make this casserole for a meal the whole family will love!

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