Cowboy Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines ground beef, tender vegetables, creamy soup, and a crispy tater tot topping. It’s the perfect meal for a busy weeknight or when you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained (or 1 1/2 cups frozen corn)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Casserole Base
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Mix in Soup and Seasoning: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, corn, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Assemble the Casserole
- Layer in Baking Dish: Spread the ground beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer over the cheese.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
Bake the Casserole
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is heated through.
Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Ground Beef Alternatives: You can use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of the casserole.
- Vegetable Options: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as green beans or peas, to the ground beef mixture for extra nutrition.
- Crispy Tots: For extra crispy tater tots, bake them separately for 10 minutes before adding them to the casserole.
Variations
- Spicy Cowboy Casserole: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Bacon Cowboy Casserole: Stir in 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon to the ground beef mixture for extra smoky flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or use additional veggies, such as diced mushrooms and bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Dinner Rolls: Pair with warm dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Pickles: Serve with pickles for a tangy side that complements the richness of the casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Freeze Cowboy Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I Use a Different Type of Soup?
Yes, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor.
How Do I Keep the Tater Tots Crispy?
To keep the tater tots crispy, make sure they are arranged in a single layer, and avoid overcrowding. Broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking for extra crispiness.
Cowboy Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. With flavorful ground beef, tender vegetables, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone. Gather your ingredients, bake, and enjoy this delicious, comforting meal!
Happy Cooking!
