Description
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring seasoned ground beef combined with creamy mushroom soup, corn, and cheese, all topped with crispy tater tots and bacon. Baked until golden and bubbly, this casserole makes a perfect family-friendly meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- ½ pound ground beef (85/15)
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
- ⅔ cup condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 32 ounces tater tots (about 4 cups)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned all over and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Mix Ingredients: To the cooked beef in the skillet, add the corn, condensed cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk, sour cream, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and heat the mixture through until warm and evenly blended.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. Spread the beef mixture evenly into the baking dish to create an even layer.
- Top with Tater Tots and Bacon: Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese and the crumbled cooked bacon evenly on top of the tater tots.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the casserole mixture is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes, which helps it set for easier serving. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious cowboy casserole.
Notes
- You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn; just ensure it’s well drained if using canned or thawed if frozen.
- For extra flavor, consider adding diced onions or bell peppers when cooking the ground beef.
- If you prefer less fat, use leaner ground beef or turkey instead.
- Substitute cheddar cheese with a different cheese of your choice, such as Monterey Jack or Colby.
- Make sure the tater tots are arranged in a single layer to ensure even crisping during baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to preserve crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
