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Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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4.3 from 29 reviews

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish combining ground beef, creamy corn, and crispy tater tots. This comforting casserole is perfect for a family dinner or feeding a crowd, featuring layers of savory beef and soup mixture baked to golden perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

Meat & Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained

Soups & Dairy

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Other Ingredients

  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Cook Ground Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and onions are soft. Drain any excess fat to prevent greasiness.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, drained corn, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread the beef and soup mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating the base layer of the casserole.
  5. Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture, ensuring full coverage for a crispy topping.
  6. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the tater tots turn golden brown and crispy.
  7. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • You can substitute cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups with a homemade white sauce if preferred for a fresher taste.
  • For added flavor, consider mixing in diced green chilies or chopped jalapeños with the beef mixture.
  • To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the beef mixture.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
  • Use reduced-fat cheese or less cheese to lower fat content if desired.