Description
This easy cowboy casserole recipe is a hearty, comforting dinner packed with ground beef, tater tots, cheese, and a creamy mushroom sauce. Perfect for weeknight meals, potlucks, or family gatherings. Simple, cheesy, and loaded with flavor—this cowboy casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup frozen corn
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and frozen corn. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Spread the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
7. Layer frozen tater tots on top in a single even layer.
8. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until casserole is bubbly and tater tots are golden.
9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.
For extra flavor, try adding chopped jalapeños, black beans, or crumbled bacon.
Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or oven—perfect for meal prep!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg