Description
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and easy weeknight dinner featuring seasoned ground beef mixed with creamy mushroom soup and corn, topped with crispy golden tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. This comforting American casserole comes together quickly and makes a satisfying meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground beef (85/15)
- 1 cup corn
- 2/3 cup condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 32 ounces tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks.
- Mix Ingredients: To the browned beef in the skillet, add the corn, cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Layer the Casserole: Transfer the beef mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Next, arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
- Add Final Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the casserole and bake for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become bubbly.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add diced onions or bell peppers when browning the beef.
- Feel free to substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.
- Use a non-stick or lightly greased skillet and baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make sure to layer the tater tots evenly to ensure consistent crispiness across the casserole.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
