Name: Cowboy Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Midwestern
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste

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A hearty and flavorful casserole featuring ground beef, creamy corn, and crispy tater tots, perfect for a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together savory ground beef, creamy soups, sweet corn, and crispy tater tots in one delicious dish. It's incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table quickly. The combination of textures and flavors will please even the pickiest eaters, and it's guaranteed to become a family favorite. This casserole is hearty enough to satisfy hungry appetites and versatile enough to customize based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef serves as the protein-rich foundation of this casserole, providing hearty flavor and satisfying texture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.

Onion adds aromatic depth and sweetness when cooked with the beef. It creates a flavorful base that enhances the entire dish.

Corn brings natural sweetness and a pop of color to contrast with the savory elements. Fresh, frozen, or canned all work well, just be sure to drain canned corn thoroughly.

Cream of mushroom soup provides rich umami flavor and creamy texture that binds the casserole together. It creates a silky sauce that coats the other ingredients perfectly.

Cream of chicken soup works alongside the mushroom soup to add more creaminess and savory chicken flavor. The combination of both soups creates a more complex and satisfying taste.

Cheddar cheese creates that irresistible golden, melty top layer that everyone loves. The sharp flavor complements the other ingredients while adding a gooey texture.

Tater tots form the crispy crown of the casserole, providing delightful texture contrast to the creamy filling below. They become golden and crunchy during baking while staying soft inside.

Garlic powder and onion powder enhance the savory profile without requiring fresh ingredients. They add depth of flavor that permeates throughout the dish.

Salt and pepper are essential for bringing all the flavors together and highlighting each component. Adjust according to your taste preferences.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat.
Add the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, corn, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
Spread the beef and soup mixture evenly in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the casserole.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Servings and Timing

This Cowboy Casserole makes 6 generous servings, making it perfect for a family dinner with potential leftovers. The prep time is just 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 35 minutes, bringing the total time to approximately 45 minutes. Each serving contains about 370 calories, providing a satisfying meal that won't break your calorie bank.

Variations

Spicy Cowboy Casserole: Add a diced jalapeño with the onions and mix in 1-2 teaspoons of chili powder to give your casserole some heat.

Loaded Cowboy Casserole: Add crispy bacon pieces and green onions on top after baking for a loaded potato-inspired variation.

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternative or extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.

Mexican-Style: Add a can of drained black beans, use Mexican blend cheese instead of cheddar, and mix in 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning with the ground beef.

Breakfast Cowboy Casserole: Add scrambled eggs to the base mixture and top with breakfast sausage for a morning twist on this classic.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Cowboy Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it has cooled completely before storing.

Freezer Storage: This casserole freezes beautifully. You can freeze the entire casserole (before or after baking) or portion it into individual servings. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating Individual Portions: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through if possible. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel to prevent splattering.

Reheating Full Casserole: To reheat a full casserole from refrigerated, bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through. If reheating from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Maintaining Texture: The tater tots won't be as crispy when reheated, but the flavor will still be delicious. For extra crispiness, you can reheat in an air fryer if available.

FAQs

Can I prepare Cowboy Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Add the tater tots just before baking to ensure they stay crispy. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

While frozen tater tots provide the signature texture for this dish, you could substitute thinly sliced or shredded potatoes. Par-boil them first, then arrange on top of the casserole. The texture will be different but still delicious.

What can I use instead of cream soups if I want to avoid processed foods?

You can make a homemade substitute by creating a roux with 2 tablespoons each of butter and flour, then adding 1 cup of milk or broth and seasonings. Cook until thickened, then use this in place of the canned soups.

Is Cowboy Casserole gluten-free?

Standard cream soups and some brands of tater tots contain gluten. Look for gluten-free versions of both ingredients to make this recipe gluten-free, or make your own cream sauce using cornstarch as a thickener.

Can I add vegetables to make this casserole more nutritious?

Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, peas, broccoli, or carrots make excellent additions. Add them when you're cooking the ground beef and onions to ensure they soften properly.

Why is it called "Cowboy Casserole"?

This hearty, stick-to-your-ribs dish got its name because it's the kind of filling, satisfying meal that would fuel hardworking cowboys. The combination of meat, potatoes, and simple ingredients reflects the straightforward, hearty cuisine associated with ranch cooking.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook the beef and onion mixture first, then transfer to a slow cooker with the soups and corn. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, then top with tater tots and cheese. Cook for another hour, or until the tots are heated through. The tots won't get as crispy as in the oven, though.

What can I serve with Cowboy Casserole?

A simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or coleslaw make perfect side dishes to balance the richness of the casserole. Garlic bread or dinner rolls are also popular accompaniments.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option. You might want to add a bit more seasoning or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavor, as turkey can be milder than beef.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top, the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the entire dish is heated through. If you insert a knife into the center, it should come out hot to the touch.

Conclusion

Cowboy Casserole is the epitome of comfort food that brings together simple ingredients to create something truly special. This versatile dish can be adapted to suit your family's preferences or whatever you happen to have in your pantry. The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy soups, sweet corn, and crispy tater tots creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will satisfy even the heartiest appetites.

Whether you're feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this Cowboy Casserole delivers every time. The ease of preparation and minimal active cooking time make it a practical choice for those days when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Don't be afraid to make this recipe your own by trying some of the suggested variations or creating your own twist. With its winning combination of comforting flavors and satisfying textures, Cowboy Casserole is sure to become a regular feature in your meal rotation.