Go Back

Cowboy Casserole

Cowboy Casserole is a quick, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights, combining hearty ground beef, creamy soup, cheese, and crispy tater tots.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef Can be substituted with ground turkey or plant-based meat.
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained Fresh corn can be used as a substitute.
  • 2 cups shredded cheese Cheddar or your choice; a mix of cheeses can enhance flavor.
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots Arrange evenly over the cheese layer.
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup Can substitute with cream of chicken soup or homemade white sauce.
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
  • Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir until well combined.
  • In a greased baking dish, layer the beef mixture, followed by the drained corn, and then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
  • Finally, arrange the tater tots evenly over the cheese layer.

Cooking

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
  • Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

This dish pairs well with a simple salad or some bread. Feel free to add your favorite toppings, like sour cream or green onions. You can create a Tex-Mex version by adding black beans, diced tomatoes, and spices like cumin and chili powder.
Keyword Comfort Food, Cowboy Casserole, Easy Dinner, One-Pan Meal, Weeknight Meal