Cowboy Casserole: An Easy and Delicious Tater Tot Bake Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with savory ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots, this recipe is both easy to prepare and satisfying for the whole family.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
3. Step 3: Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir until well combined.
4. Step 4: In a greased baking dish, layer the beef mixture, followed by the drained corn, and then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
5. Step 5: Arrange the tater tots evenly over the cheese layer.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
7. Step 7: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, mix in diced green chilies or chopped bell peppers with the beef mixture.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for a different taste.
• Use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar for a gooey, rich topping.
• Try adding black beans or cooked bacon bits to the layers for added texture and protein.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Microwaving may soften the tater tots.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

While tater tots add a convenient crispy topping, you can substitute with diced fresh potatoes roasted until tender and crispy. Keep in mind the cooking time and texture will be different.

Cowboy Casserole: An Easy and Delicious Tater Tot Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 71 reviews

This Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, easy-to-make comfort food dish featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, sweet corn, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots baked to perfection. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, it combines simple ingredients into one satisfying casserole with a crispy golden topping.

• Author: Felix
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein

• 1 lb ground beef

Vegetables and Canned Goods

• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

Dairy

• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1/2 cup milk

Frozen

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Spices

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
3. Mix the Sauce: Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper directly to the cooked beef in the skillet. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the Layers: Grease a baking dish lightly. Spread the beef mixture evenly on the bottom of the dish. Next, add the drained corn in an even layer over the beef. Then sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top.
5. Add the Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly on top of the cheese layer to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
6. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on the surface.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the layers set slightly and avoid burning your mouth.

Notes

• Drain excess fat from the beef to prevent a greasy casserole.
• You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for variation.
• Use shredded cheddar cheese for a classic flavor or try a Mexican blend for a spicy twist.
• If preferred, swap tater tots with frozen hash browns for a different texture.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.

Keywords: cowboy casserole, tater tot casserole, easy dinner, ground beef casserole, comfort food, baked casserole