Hey there, casserole lovers! Thank you so much for stopping by — you’re in for something seriously comforting today. If you’ve got a hungry crew to feed (or just want to enjoy a cozy, stick-to-your-ribs dinner), this Cowboy Casserole is calling your name.
Think layers of savory ground beef, creamy onion soup, melty cheddar cheese, sweet pops of corn, and — best part — crispy golden Tater Tots baked right on top and bottom. It's everything you want from a hearty, budget-friendly bake, and it's ready to ride straight into your weekly dinner rotation. 🐄
🌟 Why You’ll Love Cowboy Casserole
- Family-approved comfort food
- Uses simple, affordable ingredients
- Preps in about 15 minutes
- Feeds a crowd with minimal effort
- The perfect one-dish dinner with a satisfying mix of textures
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 2 lbs |
| Frozen Tater Tots | 1 large bag |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 tsp |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Cream of onion soup | 1 can |
| Sweet corn (drained) | 1 can |
| Sour cream | ¼ cup |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups, divided |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
👩🍳 How to Make Cowboy Casserole (Step-by-Step)
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Create the Tater Tot Base
Arrange half the bag of Tater Tots in a single layer on the bottom of your baking dish. No need to cook them first — they'll crisp up as they bake!
3. Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium-high heat:
- Brown the ground beef with the onions until fully cooked.
- Drain excess grease.
- Add in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Make It Creamy & Cheesy
To the skillet, stir in:
- Cream of onion soup
- Milk
- Corn
- Sour cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Mix everything until well combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the beef mixture evenly over the Tater Tot base.
- Top with the remaining Tater Tots, arranging them in a single layer.
- Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese over the top.
6. Bake to Golden Goodness
Place in the oven and bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and the Tater Tots are golden and crisp.
7. Cool Slightly & Serve
Let it sit for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
🍴 What to Serve with Cowboy Casserole
While this is a complete meal on its own, you can round it out with:
- A crisp green salad
- Buttered dinner rolls or cornbread
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- Pickles or tangy coleslaw for contrast
🔁 Recipe Tips & Variations
- No cream of onion soup? Use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken instead.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like heat.
- Want more veggies? Stir in a handful of frozen peas, bell peppers, or diced tomatoes to the meat mix.
- Swap the beef for ground turkey or sausage for a new twist.
- For a crispier top, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end — just keep an eye on it!
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers covered for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: This casserole freezes well! Let it cool, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions.
🧮 Nutritional Estimate (Per Serving – Serves 6–8)
- Calories: ~540
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: ~790mg
(Nutritional values vary by brand and ingredients used.)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Use plant-based ground meat or add sautéed mushrooms and lentils instead of beef.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of Tater Tots?
Tater Tots are part of the charm here, but you can use par-cooked diced potatoes or hash browns for a different texture.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Cowboy Casserole is comfort food at its finest — hearty, cheesy, and just rustic enough to feel like something you'd eat by a crackling fire after a long day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or looking for something easy and satisfying, this dish delivers every time.
Best part? It’s flexible, foolproof, and always hits the spot. 🤠
🍲 More Cozy Casseroles You’ll Love
- Amish Winter Bliss
- Cheeseburger Tater Tot Bake
- John Wayne Casserole
- Poor Man’s Husband Casserole
- Shepherd’s Pie with Cheddar Crust
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