Description
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.
Ingredients
Protein & Base
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½ pound ground beef (85/15 lean)
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½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
Creamy Mixture
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1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained)
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⅔ cup condensed cream of mushroom soup
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1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
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⅓ cup whole milk
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¼ cup sour cream
Seasonings & Topping
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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32 oz bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
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Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
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Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain off excess fat.
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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.
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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.
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Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the filling is bubbling.
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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.
Notes
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Crispy Tots: Bake uncovered to ensure the tater tots get golden and crunchy.
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Fresh is Best: Use fresh shredded cheddar for optimal melt and flavor.
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Don’t Overload the Pan: Use a 9×13 dish so your casserole bakes evenly and doesn’t overflow.
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Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes to help it firm up before cutting into it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Hearty Mains
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American