Cowboy Casserole
why make this recipe
Cowboy Casserole is a fantastic recipe that brings comfort food to your table without spending all day cooking. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you have friends and family over. This dish combines ground beef, cheese, corn, and crispy tater tots, making it a delightful one-pan meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and can feed a crowd!
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 from the oven. It is great on its own or with a side salad to add some freshness. You can also serve it with condiments like sour cream or salsa for extra flavor.
how to store Cowboy Casserole
To store leftover Cowboy Casserole, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
tips to make Cowboy Casserole
- Use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped onions or bell peppers when browning the beef.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, like pepper jack or mozzarella, for a unique twist.
variation
You can customize Cowboy Casserole by swapping out the ground beef for other proteins like shredded chicken or turkey. You can also add different vegetables, such as diced tomatoes or green beans, to make it even heartier.
FAQs
Can I make Cowboy Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Absolutely! You can slice fresh potatoes thinly and layer them on top of the casserole for a different texture and flavor.
What can I serve with Cowboy Casserole?
This dish is filling on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice) Experiment with different types such as pepper jack or mozzarella for a unique twist.
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots Can substitute with thinly sliced fresh potatoes.
- 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
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.
Baking
- 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.
