Description
This hearty Cowboy Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup mixture, and crispy tater tots, all baked together and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners, it combines savory flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Cooking spray
- Extra sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Bacon bits (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together. Break up the meat as it cooks and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Continue cooking for 8 to 10 minutes until the beef is browned and onions are softened.
- Drain Grease: Drain all the grease from the cooked beef mixture using a colander to avoid a greasy casserole. Return the drained beef to the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Creamy Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, drained corn, undrained Rotel tomatoes, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well until fully blended and creamy.
- Assemble Casserole Base: Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy soup mixture over the beef and spread gently to cover all the meat.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, tight layer over the creamy mixture, covering the entire surface for even crispiness.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Add Cheese Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and immediately sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hot tater tots. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts thoroughly.
- Rest the Casserole: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to allow the layers to set, which makes it easier to serve.
- Serve and Garnish: Cut the casserole into portions and serve hot. Garnish with sliced green onions, extra sour cream, and bacon bits if desired for extra flavor and texture. Enjoy your hearty Cowboy Casserole!
Notes
- Draining the grease from the ground beef is essential to prevent a soggy casserole.
- Make sure to arrange tater tots tightly for maximum crispiness.
- Tater tots can be swapped with hash browns or diced potatoes for variation.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crunch.
- For a spicier version, consider adding more diced green chilies or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy mixture.
