Description
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting baked dish featuring ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and crispy tater tots topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family-friendly meal that combines bold flavors with easy preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion softens, about 3-4 minutes. Drain excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, drained corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Mix well and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, covering the surface.
- Bake Initial Layer: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the tater tots turn golden brown and achieve a crispy texture.
- Add Cheese Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly on top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Drain excess fat after browning beef to reduce greasiness.
- Use a 9×13 baking dish for even cooking and layering.
- Frozen tater tots provide a crispy, golden topping without additional preparation.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before baking.
- Optional garnishes add freshness and color to the hearty casserole.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
