Description

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting baked dish featuring seasoned ground beef mixed with corn, cream of mushroom soup, and cheese, topped with crispy tater tots, bacon, and more cheese. It’s a perfect family meal that combines creamy, savory, and crispy textures in one easy-to-make casserole.

Ingredients

Meat and Dairy

½ pound ground beef (85/15)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
⅓ cup whole milk
¼ cup sour cream
½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon

Vegetables and Others

1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
⅔ cup condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
32 ounces tater tots (about 4 cups)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it reaches the right temperature before baking the casserole.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and completely cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the casserole from becoming too greasy.
Mix the Filling: Stir in the corn, condensed cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk, sour cream, onion powder, and black pepper with the cooked ground beef. Mix well and heat the mixture through to combine the flavors.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Transfer the beef and soup mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom.
Add the Toppings: Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture. Then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese and the crumbled cooked bacon evenly on top.
Bake the Casserole: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the casserole to set slightly for easier serving.

Notes

You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup if preferred.
For a spicier twist, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
To reduce sodium, use low-sodium soup and bacon.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
Make sure to drain the ground beef well to prevent excess grease in the casserole.