Description
This Easy Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners. It features a savory mix of ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and vibrant corn, all topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Simple to prepare and loaded with flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Optional Garnish
- Sliced green onions or chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the casserole.
- Cook Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onions until the beef is browned and the onions have softened, about 6 to 8 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, frozen corn, salt, and black pepper into the beef mixture until everything is combined into a creamy blend.
- Assemble Base Layer: Spread this beef and soup mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the cheese-covered mixture.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions or chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- Use gluten-free soup and tater tots if you need to make this casserole gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
