Description
This Cowboy Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish layered with seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, corn, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots. Perfect for a hearty family meal, it combines savory flavors and textures in a single casserole that’s baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
Vegetables
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
Other
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Combine Soup and Seasonings: To the cooked beef, add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a creamy, flavorful mixture.
- Layer the Casserole: Grease a baking dish and spread the beef mixture on the bottom. Next, evenly layer the drained corn on top, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the cheese to form the top crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the tater tots turn golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Notes
- Use cheddar cheese for a classic flavor, or try pepper jack for a spicy twist.
- For added veggies, consider mixing in diced bell peppers or onions with the ground beef.
- Feel free to substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup for a slightly different taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese to make a lighter version of this casserole.
