Description
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting American main course featuring a savory mix of ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, sweet corn, and crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make, kid-friendly casserole combines cheesy goodness with simple ingredients ideal for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
Other Ingredients
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready when your casserole is assembled.
- Cook beef and onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and add the ground beef along with the diced onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and onions are softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma and flavor, then drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Mix in ingredients: Add the drained corn, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, seasoned salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly until well combined.
- Layer casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange a single layer of frozen tater tots evenly over the beef mixture, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown and crisp.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, optionally sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version for a fresher taste.
- For extra flavor and texture, add black beans, diced green chiles, or jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Make sure to drain excess grease from the cooked ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Fresh parsley garnish is optional but adds a nice color contrast and fresh flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
