There is nothing quite as comforting and downright delicious as a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole, especially one bursting with bold flavors and textures that satisfy from the very first bite. This Cowboy Casserole Recipe is a true star in that department, bringing together savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, sweet corn, crispy bacon, and golden tater tots for the perfect harmony of comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want to wow guests with minimal effort, this dish hits all the right notes of cheesy, crispy, and creamy all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is key to this Cowboy Casserole Recipe. Each component not only builds flavor but also adds a contrasting texture or element that makes the dish so satisfying—from the tender corn’s pop to the crispy tater tots’ crunch.
- ½ pound ground beef: Choose an 85/15 blend for the best balance of flavor and leanness.
- 1 cup corn: Fresh, frozen, or canned, drained well to keep the casserole from getting watery.
- ⅔ cup condensed cream of mushroom soup: The creamy base that brings everything together with richness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Sharp cheddar adds gooey, melty goodness throughout and on top.
- ⅓ cup whole milk: Helps lighten the cream of mushroom soup and smooths out the mixture.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and extra creaminess that’s essential for flavor depth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds savory undertones without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Just enough spice to balance the richness.
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon: Crispy, smoky bits that elevate every bite.
- 32 ounces tater tots (about 4 cups): The crispy, golden topping that makes this casserole truly stand out.
How to Make Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready to crisp up those tater tots perfectly right when you’re ready to bake.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Draining the excess fat helps keep the casserole from becoming greasy while concentrating the meaty flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling
To the cooked beef, add the corn, cream of mushroom soup, half the cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together well and heat through gently, allowing those flavors to meld into a creamy, hearty filling that’s bursting with cozy goodness.
Step 4: Layer the Base
Transfer this beef and creamy mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. This layer is the savory foundation for your Cowboy Casserole Recipe.
Step 5: Top with Tater Tots and Extras
Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture. Then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the tots followed by the crumbled bacon. These toppings create a golden, cheesy, and crispy crust after baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until the tater tots are perfectly golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling hot. This step delivers that irresistible crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling below.
Step 7: Let it Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This short rest time helps it set slightly, making it easier to scoop and enjoy every bite without the filling sliding out.
How to Serve Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten and add a fresh contrast to the cheesy richness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top just before serving. For an extra kick, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or buttered steamed green beans. The fresh veggies offer a refreshing balance to the rich and starchy components.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Cowboy Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a rustic, personal touch. Alternatively, layering it in a clear glass casserole dish shows off those colorful layers for an inviting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cowboy Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to continue melding and makes for an easy, satisfying meal the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole either before baking or after it has cooled post-baking. Wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the topping regains its crispiness, about 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving when possible to maintain the delicious contrasting textures this Cowboy Casserole Recipe is known for.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative. Just be mindful that it has less fat, so you might want to add a bit of olive oil when cooking to keep the mixture moist and flavorful.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Cowboy Casserole Recipe?
Yes! Swap out ground beef for cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute, and use vegetable broth in place of any meat drippings for a delicious vegetarian twist.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time without baking it?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just add a little extra baking time when ready to cook to ensure it’s heated through fully.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you want to avoid canned soup, make a quick homemade roux-based mushroom sauce or swap in cream of chicken soup for a slightly different flavor profile.
How spicy is this casserole? Can I add more heat?
This Cowboy Casserole Recipe is mild and family-friendly by default, but feel free to add diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the beef mixture for some welcome heat.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about this Cowboy Casserole Recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate — it’s satisfying with minimal fuss and always a hit whether it’s weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own comfort food classic; it’s sure to become a treasured favorite for everyone around your table.
Print
Cowboy Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Cowboy Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one dish combining seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, corn, crispy tater tots, cheddar cheese, and bacon. Perfect for family dinners, it’s baked to golden perfection with a deliciously cheesy and crunchy topping.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- ½ pound ground beef (85/15)
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
- ⅔ cup condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided (½ cup + ½ cup)
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 32 ounces tater tots (about 4 cups)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to reach the temperature while you prepare the other components.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Prepare Beef Mixture: Stir the cooked ground beef with corn, condensed cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk, sour cream, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well and warm the mixture through on the stove to combine flavors.
- Assemble Casserole Base: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Add Toppings: Layer the tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese and the crumbled bacon evenly atop the tater tots.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling hot.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Use low-fat sour cream or milk to reduce calories if preferred.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- Substitute corn with green beans or peas for a different vegetable twist.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the cream of mushroom soup used is gluten-free.
