Easy Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Easy Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole is simple to prepare and full of flavor.

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
• 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 32 ounces tater tots

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
3. Step 3: Add the corn, condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk, sour cream, onion powder, black pepper, and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Step 4: Spread the beef mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Step 5: Layer the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
6. Step 6: Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top, covering the entire surface.
7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the tater tots and bake for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding chopped green chilies or a dash of smoked paprika to the beef mixture.
• Swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different twist.
• Use turkey bacon or omit the bacon to make it lighter, or add sautéed onions for more depth.
• Try mixing some frozen peas or diced bell peppers into the casserole for added texture and color.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350-degree oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This casserole does not freeze well due to the tater tots.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add extra baking time if the casserole is cold going in.

What can I use instead of tater tots?

If you don’t have tater tots, frozen hash browns or thinly sliced potatoes work well as a crispy topping alternative.

Easy Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 72 reviews

Easy Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting layered dish featuring ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, bacon, corn, and crispy tater tots topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole combines savory flavors with a crunchy top layer, baked to golden perfection in under an hour.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Meat and Dairy

• 1/2 pound ground beef (85/15)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled

Vegetables and Canned Goods

• 1 cup corn
• 2/3 cup condensed cream of mushroom soup

Spices

• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Other

• 32 ounces tater tots

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks.
3. Mix the filling: To the cooked beef in the skillet, add corn, condensed cream of mushroom soup, half of the shredded cheddar cheese (½ cup), whole milk, sour cream, onion powder, black pepper, and crumbled bacon. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
4. Layer the casserole: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the beef mixture evenly as the first layer. Then, add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Finally, arrange the tater tots in a single layer to cover the cheese completely.
5. Bake the casserole: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
6. Finish with cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese.

Notes

• Use 85/15 ground beef to balance flavor and fat for a juicy filling.
• Crumbled cooked bacon adds smoky depth but can be omitted or replaced with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
• For a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after the final cheese layer melts—keep a close watch to avoid burning.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Feel free to add diced onions or bell peppers when cooking the beef for extra flavor and veggies.

Keywords: cowboy casserole, tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole, comfort food, easy dinner