Name: Ultimate Cowboy Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained; 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor); 1/4 cup chopped green onions or fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Ultimate Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that’s loaded with ground beef, creamy cheese, potatoes, and a flavorful mix of spices. This one-pan casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd and is sure to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. It’s the ideal dish for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy meal after a long day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is packed with all the flavors you crave: savory ground beef, creamy cheese, crispy tater tots, and a perfect blend of seasonings. It’s easy to make, filling, and can be prepared ahead of time. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Ultimate Cowboy Casserole

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

1 pound (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of mushroom soup (or use cream of chicken for a different flavor)
1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 (32 oz / 900 g) bag frozen tater tots

Optional Toppings:

Chopped green onions or chives
Extra shredded cheese for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Cook the beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Add the onion and garlic:
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Make the sauce:
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Assemble the casserole:
Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the beef mixture. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the casserole, covering it completely.
Bake the casserole:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Add cheese and bake again:
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the casserole and return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions, beef crumbles, or extra cheese if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Spicy Cowboy Casserole: Add a can of diced green chilies, sliced jalapeños, or a teaspoon of chili powder to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat or sautéed mushrooms for a meatless option.
Sweet Potato Tots: Swap regular tater tots for sweet potato tots for a slightly different taste and added nutrition.
Cheese Variation: Use pepper jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend for a different cheese flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

Yes, you can thinly slice or cube fresh potatoes and pre-cook them in a skillet or boil them until tender before adding them to the casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve, adding 5–10 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

Can I freeze the Cowboy Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Can I use a different type of soup?

Yes, you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup as an alternative to cream of mushroom.

Can I add more veggies?

Yes, feel free to add vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion

Ultimate Cowboy Casserole is the perfect comfort food for busy nights, potlucks, or family gatherings. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavors everyone will love. With layers of cheesy beef, crispy tater tots, and savory seasoning, this casserole is bound to become a new family favorite!