Why Make This Recipe
Cowboy Casserole is a fantastic dish that is both easy to make and deliciously satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s hearty, filling, and packed with flavor, making it a favorite among both kids and adults. Plus, you can prepare it quickly, and it’s a great way to use simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
How to Make Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir until well combined.
- In a greased baking dish, layer the beef mixture, followed by the drained corn, and then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
- Finally, arrange the tater tots evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Cowboy Casserole
Serve your Cowboy Casserole hot right out of the oven. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some garlic bread. You can also sprinkle some chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top for a nice touch.
How to Store Cowboy Casserole
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven until heated through.
Tips to Make Cowboy Casserole
- Use lean ground beef to make the dish lighter.
- Feel free to add in other vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
- To make it spicier, add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Variation
You can easily switch up the cheese for a different flavor, or use turkey or chicken if you prefer. If you’re vegetarian, substitute the beef with cooked lentils or black beans for a meatless option.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned corn?
Yes, you can use fresh corn or even frozen corn if you prefer!
Is there a substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce if you’d like a different flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir until well combined.
- In a greased baking dish, layer the beef mixture, followed by the drained corn, and then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
- Finally, arrange the tater tots evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
