Description
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting American baked dish featuring ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, corn, cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this casserole combines savory flavors with a satisfying crunch on top.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
Topping
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary to avoid sogginess in the casserole.
- Season Beef: Season the beef with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Stir well to ensure even distribution of spices.
- Mix Creamy Base: Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Add Cheese and Corn: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and drained whole kernel corn, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture. Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese over the tater tots if desired.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set and make it easier to slice.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add chopped green chiles, jalapeños, or sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the casserole before baking.
- You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of cheddar soup to alter the flavor profile.
- Drain excess grease from the cooked ground beef to keep the casserole from becoming soggy.
- This casserole reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
