Description
This hearty Cowboy Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring ground beef, creamy soups, corn, and crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners, this casserole combines savory flavors and a satisfying crunch for a delicious one-dish meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
Soups & Dairy
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Other
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft, then drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, drained corn, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is homogenous.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spread this beef and soup mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish to create the base layer of the casserole.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture to ensure they bake evenly and get crispy.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the tater tots turn a golden brown and achieve a crispy texture.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups with cream of celery or cream of broccoli for different flavors.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or chili powder to the beef mixture.
- Make sure to drain the ground beef well to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to let it set for easier serving.
