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cowboy casserole

Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Make this Cowboy Casserole recipe with beef, tater tots, and cheese! A delicious and hearty dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

INGREDIENTS
  

Essential Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef – Lean ground beef 80/20 works best for flavor and texture.
  • 1 small onion diced – Adds depth and a slightly sweet flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic minced – Enhances the beef’s savory taste.
  • 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup – Creates a rich and creamy base.
  • ½ cup sour cream – Adds creaminess and tang.
  • ½ cup milk – Helps create a smooth creamy texture.
  • 1 can 15 oz corn (drained) – Adds a sweet crunch.
  • 2 cups shredded cheese – Choose from the best cheese options below.
  • 1 package 32 oz frozen tater tots – The crispy topping that makes this casserole unique.
  • ½ tsp salt – Brings out the flavors.
  • ½ tsp black pepper – Adds a mild kick.
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika optional – Enhances the smoky, savory taste.

Best Cheese Choices

  • Cheddar Cheese – Classic melts well, and adds a sharp bite.
  • Colby Jack – A milder creamy cheese that pairs well with beef.
  • Pepper Jack – Adds a spicy kick with jalapeño and chili flavors.
  • Mozzarella – For a stretchy gooey texture.
  • Mexican Blend Cheese – A mix of cheddar Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla cheese for a flavorful twist.

Optional Add-Ins

Protein Upgrades:

  • Ground turkey or chicken – A leaner alternative to beef.
  • Crumbled bacon – Adds a smoky crispy touch.
  • Sausage – Adds a spicier richer flavor.

Extra Veggies:

  • Bell peppers diced – Adds color and sweetness.
  • Green beans – A classic addition for extra texture.
  • Black beans or pinto beans – Boosts protein and fiber.
  • Jalapeños sliced – For extra heat.

Flavor Enhancers:

  • Ranch seasoning – Adds a creamy herby kick.
  • BBQ sauce – For a sweet smoky twist.
  • Hot sauce or chili powder – To spice it up

INSTRUCTIONS
 

Preheat the Oven

  • Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Cook the Beef Mixture

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add 1 lb ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
  • Drain any excess grease to prevent the casserole from becoming too oily.
  • Add 1 small diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic, then cook for another 2–3 minutes until softened.

Stir in:

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 can (15 oz) drained corn
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring to combine. Remove from heat.

Layer the Casserole

  • Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
  • Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the beef layer.
  • Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.

Bake the Casserole

  • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
  • Add More Cheese and Finish Baking
  • Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top.
  • Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let It Rest and Serve

  • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

NOTES

Achieving a crispy, golden-brown topping is key to making the perfect Cowboy Casserole. Follow these tips to ensure your tater tots stay crunchy and delicious.
1. Choose the Right Tater Tots
    • Use frozen tater tots straight from the freezer—do not thaw them before baking. Thawed tater tots can become soggy.
    • Select extra-crispy tater tots if available, as they are designed to hold up better during baking.
    • Avoid low-fat or reduced-fat tater tots since they may not crisp up as well.
2. Bake at the Right Temperature
    • Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) for a balanced bake.
    • If you want a crispier texture, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 10 minutes of baking.
    • Place the casserole on the middle oven rack to ensure even heat distribution.
3. Arrange Tater Tots Properly
    • Lay tater tots in a single layer without overlapping. Overcrowding traps moisture and prevents crisping.
    • If you prefer extra crunch, press the tater tots gently into the beef mixture before baking.
4. Use a Broiling Trick
    • After the casserole is fully baked, switch the oven to broil on high for the last 2–3 minutes.
    • Watch closely to avoid burning. Broiling helps brown the tops of the tater tots for an extra-crispy finish.
5. Add a Light Coating of Oil or Butter
    • Spray the tater tots with a light mist of cooking spray before baking to enhance crispiness.
    • You can also brush them with melted butter for a richer, golden-brown texture.