Unforgettable Cowboy Casserole in 30 Minutes
Warm up your dinner table with this hearty, family-favorite Cowboy Casserole, easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for cozy comfort food lovers!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef Lean recommended
- 1 medium Onion Diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of mushroom soup Condensed
- 1 cup Sour cream Full-fat for creamier texture
- 1 ½ cups Corn Frozen or canned, drained
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese Shredded
- 1 bag (32 oz) Tater tots Frozen
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- ½ tsp Black pepper Freshly ground preferred
- Salt To taste
- Fresh parsley Optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until fully browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in garlic powder, pepper, and a pinch of salt. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and corn. Mix well.
- Add the cooked beef mixture into the bowl and stir to combine.
- Transfer mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with shredded cheese, followed by a single layer of frozen tater tots.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Make Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Just bake it when ready, add 10 extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
Freezer Tip: Freeze the assembled (unbaked) casserole for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Protein Swap: Feel free to use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Veggie Add-ins: Try adding diced bell peppers, green beans, or even jalapeños for extra texture and flavor.
Cheese Options: Mix in Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a cheesy twist with a little heat.
Crispy Tots Tip: For ultra-crispy tater tots, broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes of baking, but keep a close eye on it!
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free condensed mushroom soup and check that your tater tots and seasoning blends are gluten-free.