Easy Cowboy Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for those busy weeknights. This casserole features seasoned ground beef, savory vegetables, and a crispy layer of tater tots, all topped with melty cheddar cheese. It’s a family favorite that requires minimal effort but delivers big flavor.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
Add the corn, diced tomatoes, and cream of mushroom soup to the skillet. Stir everything together, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Top the beef mixture with a layer of frozen tater tots.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Variations
Vegetarian Version: I can substitute the ground beef with a meat alternative like lentils or plant-based crumbles.
Spicy Kick: If I love a bit of heat, I can add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Extra Veggies: For an even heartier casserole, I like to throw in some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms with the onions while cooking the beef.
Different Cheese: I can experiment with different types of cheese, like mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for a slightly different flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Leftover Cowboy Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, I simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until it’s warmed through. I can also microwave individual portions if I’m in a hurry, but the oven helps maintain the crispy tater tot topping.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?
Yes! If I prefer fresh potatoes, I can slice them thinly and bake them to create a similar crispy topping. I’ll just need to adjust the baking time slightly.
Can I freeze this casserole?
I can definitely freeze this casserole! Just assemble it as usual, but instead of baking, I cover it tightly and freeze it for up to 2-3 months. To bake from frozen, I’ll add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, I can prepare it a day or two ahead of time, just assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate until I’m ready to bake. It’s a great make-ahead dish!
What can I serve with this casserole?
I like to pair it with a simple side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. You could also serve it with garlic bread or dinner rolls for a bit of extra comfort.
Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
I can! To make it in a slow cooker, I’ll brown the beef and onions first, then combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the tater tots and cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
Easy Cowboy Casserole is a crowd-pleasing comfort food that I can rely on for quick weeknight dinners. With minimal prep and a combination of flavors that everyone loves, it’s the perfect dish for when I need something hearty and satisfying. Whether it’s a busy evening or a family gathering, this casserole is always a hit!
📖 Recipe:
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Easy Cowboy Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy Cowboy Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef, savory vegetables, and a crispy layer of tater tots, topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a family favorite that requires minimal effort but delivers big flavor.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the corn, diced tomatoes, and cream of mushroom soup to the skillet. Stir everything together, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top the beef mixture with a layer of frozen tater tots.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Can be frozen for 2-3 months. Bake from frozen with an extra 10-15 minutes of cook time.
Can be made ahead by assembling and refrigerating up to 2 days before baking.
For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
Try adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
