Description
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring seasoned ground beef combined with creamy mushroom soup, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies, all layered under crispy baked tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners, it delivers layers of savory flavors and textures baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
Dairy & Sauces
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Other
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook the beef mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef while breaking it up with a spoon. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until onions soften, about 3-4 minutes. Drain excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Mix in creamy ingredients and veggies: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, drained corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Combine thoroughly and heat through. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer. Then arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake until crispy: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crisp.
- Add remaining cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top. Return to oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese melts beautifully.
- Garnish and serve: If desired, sprinkle with chopped green onions and fresh parsley as garnish. Serve the casserole hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can swap the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for a different flavor profile.
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
- Ensure the tater tots are arranged in a single layer for even crisping during baking.
- This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and baked just before serving to save time.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.