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
Scale
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.
