Name: Cowboy Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained; 1 can (4 oz) green chilies, drained; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 bag (about 30 oz) frozen tater tots; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste

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Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. With layers of seasoned beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese, this casserole is the ultimate in delicious, satisfying meals. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and fills everyone up with its rich, savory flavors.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

1 can (15 oz) corn, drained

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

1 can (4 oz) green chilies, drained

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

1/2 cup sour cream

1 bag (about 30 oz) frozen tater tots

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

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

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Stir in the drained corn, diced tomatoes, green chilies, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly.

Layer frozen tater tots over the top of the casserole.

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.

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

Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Variations

Add More Veggies: I sometimes like to throw in some bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

Swap the Meat: Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef if I want a lighter version.

Cheese Choices: While I love using sharp cheddar, I’ve also tried this casserole with a mix of mozzarella and Monterey Jack for a slightly different flavor profile.

Spice It Up: If I want a spicier casserole, I add more diced green chilies or even some jalapeños.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: To reheat, I pop it back into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. Alternatively, I can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. When I’m ready to bake, I just pop it in the oven.

Can I freeze Cowboy Casserole?

Absolutely! I freeze leftovers or an entire unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, I bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 50-60 minutes.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

While tater tots are a fun and convenient option, I’ve also used thinly sliced potatoes as an alternative. Just make sure they’re thin enough to cook through while the casserole bakes.

Is it possible to make this casserole without sour cream?

Yes, if I don’t have sour cream on hand or prefer a dairy-free version, I substitute it with plain Greek yogurt, which gives a similar creamy texture and tang.

Can I adjust the seasoning in this casserole?

Of course! I often adjust the garlic and onion powder to suit my taste. Adding some chili powder, paprika, or cumin can also give it a different flavor.

Conclusion

Cowboy Casserole is a dish I keep coming back to because it’s easy, hearty, and full of comforting flavors. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a perfect go-to meal for a busy night or a family gathering. The combination of seasoned beef, creamy soup, tater tots, and melted cheese makes this casserole an instant hit every time. Whether I’m enjoying it fresh out of the oven or reheating leftovers, it’s always a satisfying meal that never disappoints.

Recipe:

Cowboy Casserole

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Print Recipe

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish packed with seasoned ground beef, creamy potatoes, melted cheese, and savory vegetables. This easy-to-make, one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With layers of tater tots and a rich, flavorful beef mixture, it’s the ultimate comfort food that everyone will love!

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Stir in the drained corn, diced tomatoes, green chilies, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until well combined.
Spread the meat mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer frozen tater tots over the top of the casserole.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until tater tots are golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.