Saddle up for a hearty, comforting meal that brings the spirit of the Wild West right to your dinner table! Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining savory ground beef, creamy textures, and a golden tater tot topping that will have everyone asking for seconds.
This rustic, stick-to-your-ribs casserole has its roots in traditional ranch cooking, where hungry cowboys needed filling, flavorful meals after a long day’s work. Today, it’s become a beloved family favorite that bridges generations with its simple ingredients and bold flavors.
Why You’ll Love This
- One-dish wonder that feeds the whole family with minimal cleanup
- Perfect balance of crispy tots on top with creamy, savory filling below
- Kid-approved flavors that adults will equally enjoy
- Can be prepped ahead and baked when you’re ready to eat
- Versatile recipe that welcomes your favorite add-ins and substitutions
Ingredients
- ½ pound ground beef (85/15 lean)
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained)
- ⅔ cup condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 32 oz bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no pink remains, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the corn, cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup of the cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, onion powder, black pepper, and crumbled bacon to the skillet with the beef.
- Stir all the ingredients in the skillet until well combined and the cheese starts to melt, creating a creamy, flavorful mixture.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a smooth base layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the beef mixture, then arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top, covering the entire surface.
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle any remaining cheese on top, then bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set up. Serve hot for the best comfort food experience!
Tips & Variations
- Spice it up by adding a can of diced green chilies or jalapeños to the beef mixture
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
- Add a layer of crispy bacon bits between the beef mixture and tater tots for extra cowboy flair
- Mix in 1 cup of black beans for added protein and Southwest flavor
- For a creamier casserole, add 1/4 cup of milk to the mixture
- Make it ahead: Prepare everything except the tater tots, refrigerate, then add tots just before baking
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Cowboy Casserole with a simple side salad dressed with ranch or a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. For an authentic ranch-style meal, pair it with some warm cornbread and honey butter.
For toppings, set out small bowls of sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, extra sour cream, and hot sauce so everyone can customize their portion to taste.
Notes
- The casserole is done when the edges are bubbling and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- For best results when reheating, use an oven or toaster oven to maintain the crispy topping
- This casserole freezes well before baking – just thaw overnight before cooking
FAQs
Can I make Cowboy Casserole without tater tots?
Yes! You can substitute hash browns, crispy crowns, or even a mashed potato topping instead.
How do I know when my casserole is done cooking?
The casserole is done when the edges are bubbling, the tater tots are golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternative or 2 cups of sautéed mushrooms and black beans.
Why is my casserole watery?
This can happen if you don’t drain the beef fat or corn properly. Make sure to drain excess liquids from your ingredients before combining them.
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