Cowboy Casserole
This comforting Cowboy Casserole is a robust and satisfying dish, perfect for a weeknight family meal or a casual gathering. Featuring savory ground beef simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce, layered with sweet corn and melted cheddar, all crowned with crispy tater tots, it's a true crowd-pleaser that brings classic flavors together in one easy bake.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35-40 minutes
Total Time
50-55 minutes
Servings
6 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Ultimate comfort food that satisfies with every bite.
- Quick and easy to assemble, perfect for busy evenings.
- Uses readily available ingredients, making grocery shopping a breeze.
- A family-friendly dish that appeals to all ages.
- Delivers a delightful contrast of creamy filling and crispy topping.
Ingredients
- 450 grams (1 lb) lean ground beef
- 425 grams (15 oz) canned corn, drained
- 225 grams (2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- 900 grams (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 298 grams (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 120 milliliters (1/2 cup) milk (whole or 2%)
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) garlic powder
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) onion powder
- 2.5 milliliters (1/2 teaspoon) fine sea salt, or to taste
- 1.25 milliliters (1/4 teaspoon) freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- Cooking spray or a small amount of oil for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for even cooking and crisping of the tater tots. Lightly grease a 23×33 cm (9×13 inch) baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring it's thoroughly cooked through and no pink remains. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the browned beef in the skillet. Stir consistently until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and gently simmering. This creates the flavorful, creamy base for the casserole.
- Evenly spread the entire beef mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, distribute the drained corn over the beef layer. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the corn, creating a delicious, melty layer.
- Carefully arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the cheese. Try to cover the entire surface for maximum crispiness.
- Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Cook until the tater tots are beautifully golden brown and crispy, and the cheese underneath is melted and bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing it from falling apart.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or frying pan
- 23×33 cm (9×13 inch) baking dish
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander (for draining corn)
Essential Success Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to the beef mixture.
- Ensure your tater tots are spread in a single layer for maximum crispiness; overcrowding can lead to soggy tots.
- Always drain excess fat from the ground beef thoroughly to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Use full-fat milk for a richer, creamier sauce, or skim milk for a lighter version without sacrificing much flavor.
- Resist the urge to uncover the casserole too early; allow the tater tots to get a good crisp before checking for doneness.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an elevated flavor profile, brown the ground beef with finely diced onions and bell peppers before adding the soup mixture. This builds a deeper aromatic foundation.
- Consider adding a thin layer of sautéed mushrooms or a can of drained diced green chilies over the corn layer for an unexpected depth and subtle spice kick.
- Before baking, brush the top of the tater tots with a tiny bit of melted butter mixed with a pinch of garlic powder for an even more golden, flavorful, and irresistible crunch.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Variations: Feel free to swap cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend. You can also add a layer of black beans or diced tomatoes (well-drained) for added texture and nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare Cowboy Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole (without the tater tots) up to a day in advance. Cover it and refrigerate. Add the tater tots just before baking to ensure they crisp up nicely.
What can I serve with Cowboy Casserole?
This hearty casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed green beans, or a side of crusty bread to sop up any extra sauce.
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 480-520 per serving, Protein: 28-32g, Fat: 28-32g, Carbs: 35-40g (Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual values may vary.)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy and gluten (from cream of mushroom soup and tater tots). For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free condensed soup and gluten-free tater tots. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
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