Of course! Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food: a hearty, creamy, and cheesy ground beef casserole topped with crispy tater tots. It’s a family-friendly, one-dish meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a potluck dinner.
Here’s a classic, crowd-pleasing recipe.
Cowboy Casserole Recipe
This recipe is easy to customize with your favorite add-ins.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Serves: 6-8 people
Ingredients
· 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is best for flavor)
· 1 medium onion, diced
· 1 clove garlic, minced
· 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
· 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery/chicken)
· 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
· 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
· 1 (16 oz) bag frozen tater tots
· 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
· 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
· Salt and black pepper to taste
· Cooking spray or oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened. Drain off any excess grease.
- Season the Mixture: Add the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- Combine Filling: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the drained corn, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Add the Tater Tot Topping: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture. You can do this in neat rows or just scatter them evenly.
- Bake: Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Add Cheese and Crisp: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to scoop.
Tips for Success & Variations
· Drain the Grease: Don’t skip draining the beef after browning, or your casserole can become greasy.
· Crispy Tots: For extra-crispy tater tots, you can spray them lightly with cooking spray before baking.
· Add Some Heat: Add a 4 oz can of diced green chiles, a tablespoon of chopped pickled jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
· Make it “Fancy”: Sauté 8 oz of sliced mushrooms with the onions. Stir in a cup of frozen peas along with the corn.
· Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground “meat” or one can of drained and rinsed black beans and one can of drained kidney beans.
· Different Toppings: While tater tots are classic, you can also top this with a layer of mashed potatoes or even biscuit dough for a different twist.
Why This Recipe is a Winner
· All-in-One Meal: It has your protein, vegetables, and starch all in one dish.
· Kid-Approved: What kid (or adult!) can resist tater tots and cheese?
· Feeds a Crowd: It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or for having leftovers for lunch the next day.
· Comfort in a Dish: It’s warm, savory, cheesy, and utterly satisfying.
Enjoy your delicious, hearty Cowboy Casserole