Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Convenience: This casserole is prepared in a single dish, making cleanup simple and quick.
- Family-Friendly: The combination of meat, vegetables, and crispy potatoes appeals to both kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables or to adjust the level of spice to suit your taste.
- Make-Ahead Meal: Great for meal prep, as it reheats well and can be frozen for future use.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or sausage
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) green beans, drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, drained corn, and green beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Arrange the tater tots on top in a single layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and return the casserole to the oven. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Preparation Time: About 15 minutes.
- Cooking Time: Approximately 35 minutes.
- Total Time: Around 50 minutes.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of chili powder to the meat mixture for extra heat.
- Vegetable Swap: Substitute green beans with peas or add diced bell peppers for additional flavor and color.
- Cheese Options: Try using Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of your favorite cheeses instead of cheddar.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle fried onions or crushed tortilla chips on top before serving for added crunch.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
FAQs
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version using a roux with milk and mushrooms.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?
Yes, fresh vegetables can be used. Steam or sauté them slightly before adding to ensure they are tender in the casserole.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the meat with plant-based crumbles or lentils and use a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How can I make the casserole gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure that the tater tots are gluten-free.
What sides pair well with Cowboy Casserole?
A fresh green salad, cornbread, or coleslaw complement this dish nicely.
Can I add other types of beans?
Yes, black beans or kidney beans can be added or used as substitutes.
How do I prevent the tater tots from becoming soggy?
Ensure the meat mixture is not too liquidy before adding the tater tots, and bake until they are crispy.
What type of ground meat works best?
Ground beef is traditional, but ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner option.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Conclusion
Cowboy Casserole is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its combination of savory meat, creamy vegetables, and crispy tater tots makes it a comforting meal for
Cowboy Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Cowboy Casserole is a comforting, one-pan dish made with ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, corn, green beans, and crispy tater tots, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, this easy recipe is family-friendly, customizable, and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or sausage
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) green beans, drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix in the cream of mushroom soup, drained corn, and green beans. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and bake for another 5 minutes until melted.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Add jalapeños or chili powder for a spicy twist.
- Swap green beans for peas or bell peppers for variety.
- Use Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheese blend instead of cheddar.
- Top with crispy fried onions or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
