Cowboy Casserole
A cheesy, hearty Cowboy Casserole made with ground beef, tater tots, and a creamy sauce. Perfect for an easy family dinner or potluck dish!
Ingredients
- - 1 lb 450g ground beef
- - 1 small onion diced
- - 2 cloves garlic minced
- - 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- - ½ cup sour cream
- - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
- - 1 can 15 oz corn, drained (optional)
- - 1 bag 32 oz frozen tater tots
- - ½ teaspoon salt
- - ½ teaspoon black pepper
- - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
Instructions
- **Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).** Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- **Cook the beef:** In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for 5-7 minutes. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- **Mix the filling:** In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and drained corn. Stir in the cooked beef mixture.
- **Assemble the casserole:** Spread the beef mixture evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top.
- **Add tater tots:** Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the mixture.
- **Bake:** Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the tater tots are crispy.
- **Add final cheese layer:** Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top and bake for another 5 minutes until melted.
- **Cool and serve:** Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a **spicier version**, add jalapeños or chili powder.
- To make it **healthier**, use ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese.
- **Storage:** Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- To make it **healthier**, use ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese.
- **Storage:** Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.