If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm embrace on a plate, look no further than this Cowboy Casserole Recipe. Packed with savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, crispy tater tots, and smoky bacon, this casserole brings together hearty flavors and a satisfying texture in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining friends, this down-home favorite combines convenience with comfort, making it a surefire winner for any weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples that come together beautifully to create a casserole that’s rich, creamy, and full of texture. Each element adds its own personality—whether it’s the melty cheddar cheese bringing gooey goodness or the crispy tater tots delivering that irresistible crunch.
- ½ pound ground beef (85/15): Provides a juicy, flavorful base that’s hearty and satisfying.
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained): Adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color.
- â…” cup condensed cream of mushroom soup: Brings creamy richness and a comforting earthiness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided: One half melts into the beef mixture for creaminess, the rest tops the casserole with deliciously gooey, golden cheese.
- â…“ cup whole milk: Helps blend the ingredients smoothly for a silky texture.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Adds slight tang and velvety smoothness that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle, savory depth.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Brings just the right amount of mild heat and seasoning.
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon: Introduces smoky crunch and an addictive savory punch.
- 32 ounces tater tots (about 4 cups): The star topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven, providing satisfying crunch and nostalgia.
How to Make Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Ground Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), then brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Cooking it thoroughly and draining excess fat ensures a flavorful, juicy base without greasiness.
Step 2: Mix in the Creamy Ingredients
Next, stir in the corn, condensed cream of mushroom soup, half of your shredded cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, onion powder, and black pepper. This mix marries creaminess with savory notes and juicy sweetness, creating a luscious filling.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Transfer the creamy beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. This even layer makes sure every bite is perfectly balanced.
Step 4: Add the Tater Tots and Toppings
Top the beef layer with a single layer of tater tots. These will crisp up wonderfully, adding texture. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the tots, infusing smoky, cheesy goodness right on top.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the tater tots turn a golden brown and the casserole bubbles with warm, inviting aromas. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving so it sets perfectly for serving.
How to Serve Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or a sprinkle of fresh parsley add a burst of color and freshness that brighten the rich, hearty flavors of the casserole.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance its richness or a side of pickles for a tangy contrast that cuts through the creamy layers beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or dinner plates, topped with extra bacon and a dollop of sour cream. This personalized touch makes it feel extra special at the dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover Cowboy Casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting overnight, making it just as delightful the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well! Wrap tightly with foil or place in an airtight container, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy on top, about 20 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that irresistible tater tot crunch.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works nicely as a leaner alternative and will still provide great texture and flavor. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and season well.
Is it okay to substitute cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, you can swap in cream of chicken or celery soup if you prefer. It will slightly change the flavor but still keep the creamy consistency you want.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based crumbled meat substitute, skip the bacon, and use a vegetarian mushroom soup.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar is the classic choice here for that perfect melt and bold flavor, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or a blend to suit your taste.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time before baking?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Casserole Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings together comfort, flavor, and ease in one hearty dish. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you want something filling without the fuss. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite weeknight dinner!
Print
Cowboy Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring seasoned ground beef combined with corn, cream of mushroom soup, and cheddar cheese, topped with crispy tater tots and bacon, then baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feeds a crowd.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- ½ pound ground beef (85/15)
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
- â…” cup condensed cream of mushroom soup
- â…“ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
Topping
- 32 ounces tater tots (about 4 cups)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat to ensure a less greasy casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: To the cooked beef, add the corn, condensed cream of mushroom soup, half of the shredded cheddar cheese (½ cup), milk, sour cream, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly and heat the mixture until it is well combined and warmed through.
- Transfer Mixture: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Add Toppings: Place the tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture. Then, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the crumbled bacon evenly over the tater tots.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- Drain excess fat from cooked ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Use fresh, frozen, or canned corn; just ensure it’s well drained to prevent excess moisture.
- For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor and added protein.
- This casserole can be doubled to serve a larger crowd using a larger baking dish.
