Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This ground beef casserole topped with crispy tater tots is a crowd-pleaser and a great addition to your family meal rotation. Whether you’re looking for a cozy comfort meal or a simple dish that comes together in under an hour, Cowboy Casserole is a fantastic option.

Why You’ll Love Cowboy Casserole

Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time, this dish can be in the oven in just 10 minutes.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the crispy tater tots and cheesy, savory filling.
One-Pan Meal: Fewer dishes to wash means more time to relax after dinner.
Versatile Recipe: You can customize this casserole with different proteins, vegetables, and seasonings.
Great for Meal Prep: Prepare it ahead of time and bake when ready, making it ideal for busy families.

What is Cowboy Casserole?

Cowboy Casserole is a classic American comfort dish made with ground beef, corn, cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy tater tots. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a perfect choice for a quick yet satisfying meal. This dish is sometimes referred to as a tater tot casserole, but the added bacon and rich, creamy filling give it that cowboy-style heartiness.

Ingredients for Cowboy Casserole

To make this delicious Cowboy Casserole, you’ll need:

1/2 pound ground beef (85/15) – Provides a flavorful base for the casserole.
1 cup corn – Adds sweetness and texture.
2/3 cup condensed cream of mushroom soup – Creates a creamy and savory filling.
1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded and divided) – Enhances the cheesy goodness.
1/3 cup whole milk – Helps blend the ingredients smoothly.
1/4 cup sour cream – Adds a tangy creaminess.
1 teaspoon onion powder – Enhances the depth of flavor.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a little spice.
1/2 cup bacon (cooked and crumbled) – Infuses a smoky, savory flavor.
32 ounces tater tots – The crispy topping that makes this dish so irresistible.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures an even baking temperature for a perfectly crispy topping.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break it up with a wooden spoon and drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

Add the corn, condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, onion powder, black pepper, and cooked bacon to the skillet. Mix everything well until combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the beef mixture evenly at the bottom. Sprinkle with half of the remaining cheese and then arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes uncovered until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.

Step 6: Add More Cheese & Finish Baking

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for an extra touch of flavor.

Tips for the Best Cowboy Casserole

Use high-quality cheese – Shredded cheese melts better when freshly grated rather than pre-shredded.
Add extra veggies – Mix in bell peppers, mushrooms, or green beans for added nutrition.
Make it spicy – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a kick.
Use different proteins – Swap the beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage.
Make it ahead – Assemble the casserole and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready!

What to Serve with Cowboy Casserole?

Cowboy Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with:

Side Salad – A fresh green salad balances the richness.
Steamed Vegetables – Try roasted broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Coleslaw – A crunchy, tangy side that complements the dish.

Can You Store and Reheat Cowboy Casserole?

Storing:

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

Oven: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual servings for 1-2 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Each serving (based on 6 servings) provides:

Calories: 593 kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 37g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 66mg
Sodium: 1168mg
Potassium: 687mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g

Final Thoughts

Cowboy Casserole is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re making this for a family dinner, potluck, or meal prep, this classic comfort food is sure to be a hit. Try it tonight and let us know what you think!

🤠 Cowboy Casserole – A Comfort Food Classic!

Author: therecipemingle

Print Recipe

Description

There’s something about Cowboy Casserole that just brings everyone together! This hearty, cheesy, and crispy-topped dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With ground beef, bacon, corn, and golden tater tots, it’s a meal that disappears fast. Ready in under an hour, it’s easy, delicious, and pure comfort food. Try it out and let me know if it becomes a new family favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

½ lb ground beef (85/15)
1 cup corn
⅔ cup condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
⅓ cup whole milk
¼ cup sour cream
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp black pepper
½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
32 oz tater tots

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F.
2️⃣ In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
3️⃣ Stir in corn, cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup cheese, milk, sour cream, onion powder, black pepper, and bacon.
4️⃣ In a 9×13 pan, layer the beef mixture, then remaining cheese, and line up the tater tots on top.
5️⃣ Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, then sprinkle with the rest of the cheese and bake another 5 minutes.

Looking for more delicious casseroles? Check out these recipes:

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

If you enjoyed this Cowboy Casserole recipe, share it with your friends and family. Don’t forget to leave a review below!

Cowboy Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Busy Families