Cowboy Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that combines savory ground beef, crispy tater tots, melted cheese, and a creamy, hearty filling. This easy American-style casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a warm, filling meal that the entire family will enjoy. Ready in under an hour with minimal prep, it’s a go-to classic for anyone who appreciates simple, satisfying food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the definition of comfort food. It requires only a few pantry and freezer staples, and everything comes together in a single baking dish. The creamy filling, enhanced by sour cream and condensed soup, complements the cheesy topping and crisp golden tater tots. It’s also highly adaptable—feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ½ pound ground beef (85/15)
- 1 cup corn
- ⅔ cup condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 32 ounces tater tots
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: To the skillet, add corn, cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup of shredded cheese, milk, sour cream, onion powder, black pepper, and bacon. Stir until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheese.
- Add Tater Tots: Neatly arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crisp.
- Final Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Let it rest for a few minutes before serving warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Protein Options: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Vegetable Additions: Add chopped green beans, bell peppers, or diced tomatoes for extra texture and nutrition.
- Cheese Variety: Use a mix of cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Twist: Mix in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for added heat.
- Topping Crunch: Sprinkle crushed French fried onions or seasoned breadcrumbs on top for a crispy finish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or rewarm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 15–20 minutes).
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15–20 minutes to the cooking time, or thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
FAQs
Can I make Cowboy Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of canned or fresh?
Absolutely. Frozen corn works well and can be added directly to the skillet without thawing.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute it with cream of chicken soup, cream of celery, or a homemade white sauce thickened with flour and broth.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the beef and bacon, and replace with cooked lentils, beans, or a plant-based protein. Use a vegetarian condensed soup as well.
Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?
No, tater tots go on the casserole frozen. They’ll bake up crisp and golden in the oven.
Can I add eggs to make it a breakfast casserole?
Yes, whisk a few eggs into the filling for a breakfast twist. Bake until eggs are set and tater tots are golden.
What can I serve with Cowboy Casserole?
It’s great with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or a slice of cornbread.
How do I make the top extra crispy?
For a crisper topping, broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free condensed soup, breadcrumbs (if used), and ensure your tater tots and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, double all ingredients and use two 9×13 pans or one larger pan if feeding a crowd.
Conclusion
Cowboy Casserole is a rich, creamy, and satisfying dish that’s sure to please both kids and adults. With minimal ingredients and quick prep, it’s a dependable and delicious option for weeknight dinners or potlucks. The combination of savory beef, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots delivers comfort in every bite—and it’s just as good reheated the next day.
Print
Cowboy Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This hearty and comforting Cowboy Casserole is a family-favorite dinner featuring creamy ground beef, crispy bacon, sweet corn, and golden tater tots all baked together with melty cheddar cheese. It’s a deliciously easy one-pan meal ready in under an hour!
Ingredients
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1/2 lb ground beef (85/15)
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1 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained)
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2/3 cup condensed cream of mushroom soup
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1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
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1/3 cup whole milk
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1 tsp onion powder
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
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32 oz tater tots
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat if necessary.
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Stir in corn, cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup cheese, milk, sour cream, onion powder, black pepper, and bacon. Mix until combined.
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In a 9×13 baking dish, layer the beef mixture evenly.
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Sprinkle a little cheese, then neatly arrange the tater tots on top.
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Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes.
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Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted.
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Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
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For extra flavor, use seasoned tater tots or top with chopped green onions after baking.
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Can be prepped ahead and refrigerated before baking.
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Swap beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
