why make this recipe
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s easy to prepare and packed with flavors that everyone will love. This recipe combines ground beef, corn, cheese, and crispy tater tots into one delicious casserole. It’s a great way to feed a crowd or to have leftovers for lunch the next day.
how to make Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir until well combined.
- In a greased baking dish, layer the beef mixture, followed by the drained corn, and then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
- Finally, arrange the tater tots evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
how to serve Cowboy Casserole
Serve Cowboy Casserole hot right out of the oven. You can garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or serve it with a side salad to balance the richness of the dish. It’s great for family dinners or casual gatherings.
how to store Cowboy Casserole
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can keep it for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
tips to make Cowboy Casserole
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
- You can add diced vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Feel free to swap the cheese for your favorite type or use a combination for more flavor.
- Make sure the tater tots are arranged evenly to ensure they cook properly.
variation
You can make a vegetarian version by replacing the ground beef with black beans or lentils. You can also use different soups or toppings based on your preference.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned corn?
Yes, you can use fresh corn or frozen vegetables instead of canned corn.
Can I freeze Cowboy Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just cover it tightly and store it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then follow the baking instructions.
How can I make it spicier?
If you like spice, consider adding jalapeños or some hot sauce to the beef mixture to give it a kick.
Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained You can use fresh or frozen corn as a substitute.
- 2 cups shredded cheese Cheddar or your choice; mix different types for more flavor.
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots Arrange evenly for even cooking.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup Can use different soups based on preference.
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir until well combined.
Assembly
- In a greased baking dish, layer the beef mixture, followed by the drained corn, and then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
- Finally, arrange the tater tots evenly over the cheese layer.
Cooking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.