Description
This Easy Cowboy Casserole recipe is the ultimate comfort food, made with crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, and corn. It’s a hearty, family-friendly dinner that’s quick to make and perfect for potlucks or weeknight meals. Keywords: cowboy casserole, tater tot casserole, beef casserole, family dinner idea, easy ground beef recipe.
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 cup frozen corn
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
2. Drain excess fat, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened.
3. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and frozen corn. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Spread the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
7. Arrange frozen tater tots evenly across the top.
8. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until tater tots are golden and casserole is bubbly.
9. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Always use frozen tater tots straight from the bag for the crispiest results.
Add pickled jalapeños or bacon if you want a spicy or smoky twist.
You can prep the casserole ahead and refrigerate before baking if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 85mg