Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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Cheesy cowboy casserole topped with golden crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, corn, and melted cheddar in a white baking dish.

If you’re craving cozy comfort food with layers of cheesy, beefy goodness, this Cowboy Casserole is going to hit the spot. Picture golden crispy tater tots on top, a creamy beef and veggie filling underneath, and melty cheddar cheese tying it all together. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and guaranteed to disappear fast at the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Cheesy Comfort Classic: Packed with melty cheddar and a creamy filling, it’s the ultimate cozy dish.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike go crazy for the crunchy tater tot topping.
  • Simple & Flexible: Easy to make ahead, freeze, or customize with bacon, veggies, or different cheeses.
  • One-Dish Dinner: Everything bakes in one casserole dish for minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Here’s what makes this Cowboy Casserole so delicious:

  • Ground Beef (80/20): Savory, juicy base for the casserole.
  • Onion: Adds flavor and depth to the beef mixture.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Brings creamy texture and savory richness.
  • Milk: Helps thin the sauce so it’s perfectly smooth.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tangy creaminess to balance the richness.
  • Onion Powder: Boosts the savory flavor without extra chopping.
  • Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances all the other flavors.
  • Frozen Corn: Adds pops of sweetness and extra texture.
  • Cheddar Cheese (shredded): Melts into the filling and creates gooey layers.
  • Cooked, Crumbled Bacon (optional): Adds smoky flavor and a crispy bite.
  • Frozen Tater Tots: The star topping—crispy, golden, and irresistible.

Note: Full ingredient list with exact measurements is in the recipe card below.

How to Make the Cowboy Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onion

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until no longer pink. Drain off excess grease.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 3: Combine the Filling

Stir the cooked beef and onion into the sauce mixture, then fold in frozen corn and half of the cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13″ baking dish. Sprinkle with a little more cheddar, then arrange tater tots in a single layer on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for about 40 minutes, or until bubbly and the tots are golden brown.

Step 6: Add a Finishing Touch

If you want it extra cheesy, sprinkle more cheddar on top and bake for 5 more minutes until melted.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let it rest a few minutes before serving. Get ready for the oohs and ahhs at the table!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Use a Mix of Cheeses: Try blending cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for extra gooey goodness.
  • Crispy Top Trick: Broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes for extra-crunchy tots.
  • Add Veggies: Swap in peas, green beans, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
  • Make It Smoky: Bacon or a dash of smoked paprika takes the flavor up a notch.

How to Serve

This Cowboy Casserole is a full meal on its own, but you can make it shine with a few pairings:

  • Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad balances the richness.
  • Pickles or Relish: Tangy sides cut through the creaminess.
  • Dips: Sour cream, ranch, or even BBQ sauce for drizzling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 10–15 extra minutes.

Reheating

Warm in a 350°F oven until bubbly, or microwave individual portions for a quick fix.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different meat instead of ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage work great if you want to switch things up.

2. Can I make Cowboy Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just bake when ready to serve.

3. How do I keep the tater tots crispy?
Don’t cover the casserole while baking, and for extra crunch, broil for a couple of minutes at the end.

4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes—just use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and confirm your tater tots are gluten-free.

Cheesy cowboy casserole topped with golden crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, corn, and melted cheddar in a white baking dish.

Cowboy Casserole

A comforting, cheesy tater tot casserole loaded with ground beef, corn, creamy sauce, and topped with crispy tater tots.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp parsley
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 10 oz corn, drained canned
  • 10 oz cream of mushroom soup canned
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1.5 cups shredded Colby‑Jack cheese
  • 30 oz frozen crispy crowns or tater tots

Equipment

  • Skillet (oven‑safe) or baking dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400 °F.
  2. Brown ground beef and diced onion in a skillet over medium‑high heat. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, parsley, and onion powder. Drain excess grease.
  3. Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, drained corn, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir until evenly combined.
  4. Spread mixture evenly, top with a little more cheese, then arrange tater tots (or crispy crowns) over the top in a single layer.
  5. Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until tater tots are golden‑brown and crispy.

Notes

You can substitute crispy crowns with regular tater tots, and use whatever cheese blend you prefer.

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