Description
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting baked dish featuring ground beef, creamy soups, sweet corn, and crispy tater tots topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this casserole combines savory flavors and textures in a single pan.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
Soups and 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
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole.
- Cook the beef and onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onions become soft. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, drained corn, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture until everything is well blended.
- Spread the mixture: Transfer the beef and soup mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out to create a uniform layer.
- Add tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the beef mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return the dish to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom or chicken soup with a homemade sauce for a fresher taste.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or jalapeños to enhance flavor and nutrition.
- For a crispier top, you can broil for 1-2 minutes after baking, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
