Cowboy Casserole

Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s hearty, cheesy, and a guaranteed family favorite? This Cowboy Casserole is here to save the day. With seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, sweet corn, crispy bacon, and a golden crown of crunchy tater tots, this dish checks all the boxes for a satisfying weeknight dinner. It’s easy to throw together, uses pantry staples, and bakes up into something magical — no fancy techniques required.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Casserole

• Quick to Prep: Just 10 minutes of hands-on time.
• Minimal Ingredients: Ground beef, frozen tater tots, and a few pantry items.
• Feeds a Crowd: Serves 6 generous portions.
• Total Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, crispy — everything you want in a casserole.
• Family Favorite: Even picky eaters ask for seconds!

This casserole has become a weekly ritual in our house — especially on those hectic nights when we just want to dig into something warm and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own but also plays well with a fresh green salad or simple side veggie.

Ingredients

Protein & Base

• ½ pound ground beef (85/15 lean)
• ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled

Creamy Mixture

• 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained)
• ⅔ cup condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
• ⅓ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup sour cream

Seasonings & Topping

• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 32 oz bag frozen tater tots

How to Make Cowboy Casserole

1. Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain off excess fat.
3. Make the Creamy Filling: To the skillet, add corn, cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup shredded cheese, milk, sour cream, onion powder, pepper, and the crumbled bacon. Stir until well combined and creamy.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer across the surface.
5. Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the filling is bubbling.
6. Finish & Serve: Sprinkle with a little more cheese if you’d like and bake another 5 minutes until melted. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• Crispy Tots: Bake uncovered to ensure the tater tots get golden and crunchy.
• Fresh is Best: Use fresh shredded cheddar for optimal melt and flavor.
• Don’t Overload the Pan: Use a 9×13 dish so your casserole bakes evenly and doesn’t overflow.
• Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes to help it firm up before cutting into it.

Variations to Try

• Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add chopped bell peppers, green beans, or jalapeños to boost flavor and texture.
• Use different cheeses — like pepper jack or a Mexican blend — to change up the flavor profile.
• Want it spicier? Stir in a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

Cowboy Casserole is definitely a one-pan wonder, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, try:

• A crisp green salad
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• A cold glass of milk, iced tea, or a light beer

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish at 350°F in the oven for 15–20 minutes.

Freezing: Assemble the casserole in advance and freeze (unbaked) for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 15–20 extra minutes and covering with foil if needed to avoid over-browning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it (unbaked) up to 24 hours in advance. Just increase the bake time by about 10–15 minutes.

Can I use something other than tater tots?
Absolutely — hash browns, mashed potatoes, or even a biscuit topping work great.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
It sure is. Assemble and freeze, then bake directly from frozen. Add extra bake time and keep an eye on browning.

What side dishes go with cowboy casserole?
It’s great with a side salad, roasted veggies, or even fresh fruit to balance the richness.

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