Description
Hearty Cowboy Casserole combines ground beef, potatoes, and cheese in a comforting midwestern classic. Home cooks appreciate its simple preparation and satisfying flavors you’ll crave on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cups frozen tater tots
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for casserole assembly.
- Brown ground beef with onions in a skillet over medium heat, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
- Combine beef mixture with corn, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and seasoning agents, ensuring thorough incorporation of flavors.
- Spread the prepared mixture evenly into a baking dish, creating a uniform base layer.
- Generously distribute shredded cheddar cheese across the meat mixture, covering the entire surface.
- Meticulously arrange tater tots in a precise single layer, covering the cheese completely.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until tater tots transform into a crispy, golden-brown crust and cheese melts thoroughly.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from oven, enabling flavors to settle and making serving easier.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier version that’s lower in fat.
- Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the mixture for extra color, nutrition, and a southwestern kick.
- Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check tater tot ingredients if preparing for gluten-sensitive guests.
- Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient make-ahead meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 633 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg