Description
This Easy Cowboy Casserole recipe is a hearty, comforting dish layered with seasoned ground beef, crispy tater tots, creamy mushroom sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. A family-friendly casserole perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. Keywords: easy cowboy casserole, ground beef casserole, tater tot casserole, family dinner, freezer-friendly casserole.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
4 cups frozen tater tots
1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can whole kernel corn (15 oz), drained
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef with cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, corn, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until well blended.
3. Spread the beef mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Top with the remaining cheese, then arrange the tater tots on top in a single, even layer.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
7. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
This recipe freezes well—just thaw overnight before reheating.
You can swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken if desired.
Add diced jalapeños or bell peppers for a fun twist and extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 80mg