Ready for a simple, tasty meal?
introduction
This Cowboy Casserole is easy and filling. It uses ground beef, corn, cheese, tater tots, and a creamy soup mix. You can make it fast for a weeknight. For another quick crowd-pleaser, try a similar hearty dish like Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken to serve with it.
why make this recipe
Make this dish because it is quick, warm, and loved by kids and adults. It needs few steps and common pantry items. You can change the cheese or add more veggies. If you like easy oven meals, see this simple baked chicken idea for more simple dinner choices: easy baked boneless skinless chicken thighs.
how to make Cowboy Casserole
Follow these steps to make the casserole. The dish comes together in one skillet and one baking dish. For a pasta switch-up or if you want ideas to use cooked chicken instead of beef, check this recipe for a different bake: easy chicken tetrazzini.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- 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.
- 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.
how to serve Cowboy Casserole
Cut into squares and serve warm. Add a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. It pairs well with pickles or a spoon of salsa on top for more flavor.
how to store Cowboy Casserole
Cool to room temperature. Cover and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or microwave individual portions until warmed through. You can freeze baked squares in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Cowboy Casserole
- Drain the cooked beef well to avoid a soggy base.
- Use sharp cheddar for stronger flavor or a milder cheese for kids.
- Arrange tater tots close but not overlapping too much so they crisp well.
- Let it cool a few minutes before cutting so it holds shape.
variation (if any)
- Swap ground beef for cooked shredded chicken or ground turkey.
- Use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom for a different taste.
- Add a can of drained black beans or diced bell peppers for more texture and color.
- Top with chopped green onions or bacon bits for extra flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble it and cover in the fridge. Bake within 24 hours for best texture.
Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
A: You can, but cut potatoes thin and par-cook them so they finish baking with the dish.
Q: Is this recipe freezer friendly?
A: Yes. Bake first, cool, then freeze in portions up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.
Q: Can I make it in a slow cooker?
A: You can cook the beef and mix in the soup and milk in the slow cooker, then top with tots and finish under the broiler for crispness.
Conclusion
This Cowboy Casserole is a simple, tasty meal that feeds a family with little fuss. For more ideas and similar recipes, you can read a full write-up at Cowboy Casserole: Discover a Deliciously Easy Recipe!. If you want a midwest take or extra tips, see this guide with notes and photos at Cowboy Casserole – Cooking in the Midwest. For slow cooker ideas that fit easy meals like this, check recipes at Slow Cooker Gourmet: Home.
Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Browned until fully cooked
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice) Use sharp cheddar for stronger flavor
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup Can swap for cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk To mix with soup
- 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.
Assembly and Baking
- 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.
- 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.
