Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish packed with ground beef, corn, and creamy soup, topped with crispy tater tots. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
This casserole is perfect for busy nights. You just mix it all up, pop it in the oven, and let it do its thing while you kick back. Who doesn’t love that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of your casserole. I usually go for lean ground beef to keep it less greasy. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken can work too!
Corn: Frozen corn is super easy, but you can also use canned corn if that’s what you have. Fresh corn on the cob is great too, just cook and cut it off the cob.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are perfect for convenience, but I love using fresh for added flavor. Just chop them up! If you like a bit of spice, consider using fire-roasted tomatoes.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This gives a creamy base. If you’re avoiding mushrooms or want a lighter option, use cream of chicken or a homemade cheese sauce instead!
Sour Cream: Adds creaminess. Greek yogurt can be a healthy substitute that still gives a nice tang.
Tater Tots: While frozen tater tots are classic, you can try using frozen hash browns or even make your own from scratch if you have the time!
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Crispy Tater Tots?
To get the tater tots perfectly crisp, make sure not to overcrowd them when placing them on top. An even layer helps them cook uniformly!
- Preheat the oven to the right temperature—375°F (190°C) works wonders.
- Place tater tots in a single layer without any overlapping.
- Keep the casserole uncovered while baking. This allows moisture to escape, giving you that crispy finish!
Let them bake until golden brown before adding the cheese. This way, you’ll enjoy a perfect crunchy topping on your casserole.
How to Make Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (scallions)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chili powder or taco seasoning for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cowboy Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30-40 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 55-60 minutes from start to finish before you can dig in. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps ensure your casserole cooks evenly. While the oven is heating, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Mixing in the Vegetables:
Once your beef is ready, stir in the frozen corn, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions. Season this mixture with salt, pepper, and if you’d like a kick, add some chili powder or taco seasoning. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors blend together.
3. Combine Soup and Sour Cream:
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup and the sour cream until smooth. This will create a creamy layer that melds perfectly with the beef and veggies.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the creamy soup mixture over the beef and vegetable mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Now, take a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and transfer the beef mixture into it, spreading it out evenly across the dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the beef mixture.
5. Tater Tot Time!
Next, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. You want them to cover the whole top for that lovely crispy finish.
6. Baking to Perfection:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
7. Final Cheese Melting:
Once the tater tots are ready, take the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return it to the oven for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Optionally, you can garnish with additional green onions or chopped tomatoes for a fresh touch. Now, serve up this delicious Cowboy Casserole and enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that it may be a bit drier, so you might want to add a little extra seasoning or moisture, like a splash of broth.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through for the best texture.
Can I Prep This Casserole in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. If you make it in advance, you might need to add a few extra minutes of baking time.
What Vegetables Can I Add or Substitute?
You can customize this casserole with other veggies like bell peppers, peas, or even diced carrots. Just make sure they are chopped small enough to cook through. If using fresh vegetables, sauté them briefly before adding them to the beef mixture for the best results!
