Description
Cowboy Casserole is a comforting, hearty baked dish featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, corn, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and golden tater tots. This easy-to-make family favorite combines savory flavors and textures into one satisfying casserole perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded, divided
- 1/2 cup bacon cooked and chopped
Soup and Seasonings
- 1 10.75 ounce can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
- 28 ounces frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray for easy casserole removal.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces, until it is no longer pink. Drain excess grease from the beef.
- Prepare Cream Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth and well combined.
- Season and Combine: Add onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the cream mixture. Stir until thoroughly combined.
- Mix Ingredients: Fold in the cooked ground beef, frozen corn, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped bacon into the cream mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Evenly layer 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top, then cover with an even layer of frozen tater tots.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until bubbly and the tater tots are browned on top.
- Add Final Cheese Layer: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve: Optionally sprinkle extra cooked bacon on top before serving. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty cowboy casserole.
Notes
- For a lower fat option, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery if preferred.
- Use store-bought or homemade sour cream based on availability.
- If you want extra crispy tater tots, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
