Name: Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
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

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, crispy tater tots, and melted cheese, this casserole is sure to please the whole family with minimal effort.

A close-up of a creamy dish with two large scones or biscuits on a white plate, topped with white gravy that has visible bits of sausage and small brown crispy pieces, likely bacon or sausage bits. The dish is sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs, adding a fresh contrast. The white plate sits on a white marbled surface, and the texture of the biscuits looks soft and fluffy under the creamy gravy. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir until well combined.
Step 4: In a greased baking dish, layer the beef mixture, followed by the drained corn, and then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
Step 5: Arrange the tater tots evenly over the cheese layer.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add diced onions or bell peppers to the ground beef while cooking.
Swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or celery soup for a different taste.
Use pepper jack or a blend of cheeses for a spicy twist.
Top with fresh chopped parsley or green onions before serving for added color and freshness.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through, which helps keep the tater tots crispy. Microwaving may make the topping less crisp.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a large serving of biscuits and gravy with a thick, creamy white sauce covering the golden-brown biscuits. Small pieces of crispy bacon bits and finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top and scattered around the sauce. The biscuits have a rough, crumbly texture with some parts slightly browned. The sauce is smooth and covers the base, mixing with the biscuits under a soft light. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s chilled.

Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh or frozen corn can be used. Just make sure to cook and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.