Why Make This Recipe
Cowboy Casserole is a perfect dish for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It combines hearty ingredients into a treat that appeals to all ages. This recipe is simple, quick, and requires minimal prep work. Just cook, layer, and bake! Plus, it’s budget-friendly, making it a go-to for anyone looking to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
How to Make Cowboy Casserole
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
You can serve Cowboy Casserole straight from the baking dish. Scoop out portions and enjoy it with a side of green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also include some hot sauce or sour cream as toppings for extra flavor.
How to Store Cowboy Casserole
To store Cowboy Casserole, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven until hot.
Tips to Make Cowboy Casserole
- For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or sausage instead of beef.
- Feel free to mix in some vegetables like bell peppers or diced tomatoes for extra nutrients and taste.
- If you want a spicier dish, sprinkle in some chili powder or jalapeños before baking.
Variation
You can customize Cowboy Casserole in many ways. Try using different types of cheese for a flavor twist or swap the meat for a vegetarian substitute like black beans or lentils. You can also replace the cream of mushroom soup with other cream soups like chicken or broccoli.
FAQs
1. Can I make Cowboy Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole and store it in the fridge for a day before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
2. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Absolutely! You can slice fresh potatoes and layer them on top, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as they may take longer to cook through.
3. Is Cowboy Casserole gluten-free?
It can be, depending on the ingredients. Use a gluten-free cream soup and check the labels on the tater tots for any gluten content.
Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or sausage for added flavor.
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheese Cheddar or your choice of cheese.
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots Can substitute with sliced fresh potatoes, adjusting cooking time.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup Can substitute with other cream soups like chicken or broccoli.
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- to taste Salt and pepper
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.
- Arrange the tater tots evenly over the cheese layer.
Baking
- 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.
