Description
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that layers seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, sweet corn, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots. It’s perfect for a family dinner, offering a satisfying combination of flavors and textures that’s easy to prepare and bake in one dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink, then drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Mix Sauce: Stir the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the cooked beef until thoroughly combined to create a flavorful base.
- Layer Ingredients: Grease a baking dish and layer the beef mixture first, then spread the drained corn evenly over it, and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top as the next layer.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly over the cheese layer, covering the entire surface to ensure even crisping.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set, making it easier to cut and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery for different flavors.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle some crushed cornflakes or fried onions on top before baking.
- Try adding diced bell peppers or onions to the beef mixture for added veggies and flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Use a sharp cheddar or a blend of cheese for a richer taste.
