Name: Easy Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup frozen corn; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

This Easy Cowboy Casserole is hearty, bold, and packed with flavor—a real crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or a comforting Sunday dinner. With its layers of savory ground beef, creamy soup, sweet corn, melted cheese, and crisp tater tots, it’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone back for seconds.

What makes this dish so beloved is its effortless assembly and satisfying combination of textures. It’s the ultimate one-dish wonder that delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for leftovers, Cowboy Casserole is the kind of rustic, homey meal that just works.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this casserole, gather your tools to make the prep smooth and mess-free:

Large Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef evenly and sautéing onions without overcooking. Choose a non-stick or cast iron skillet for best results.
Mixing Bowl: Useful for combining beef with soups, corn, and seasonings before assembling the casserole.
Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Helps stir and fold ingredients without breaking up the textures.

9×13 Baking Dish: This size is perfect for an even casserole bake. Glass or ceramic dishes retain heat well.
Measuring Cups/Spoons: Precision ensures the flavor balance is just right.
Oven Mitts: Safety first! Especially when removing that bubbling, golden casserole from the oven.

Once your tools are set, the rest is easy breezy—just layer, bake, and enjoy!

Ingredients for the Easy Cowboy Casserole

Every ingredient in this casserole brings comfort and flavor to the table:

Ground Beef: The protein-packed base that gives the dish its hearty feel. Opt for lean beef for less grease.

Yellow Onion: Adds aromatic depth and a slight sweetness when sautéed.
Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory factor without overpowering the other flavors.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides a creamy, rich texture that binds the layers.

Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and smoothness, balancing the richness of the soup.
Frozen Corn: Gives pops of sweetness and color to the casserole.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey layers, creating irresistible cheesy bites.

Frozen Tater Tots: The crispy topping that locks in all the flavor and adds texture.
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple yet crucial for seasoning.

How To Make the Easy Cowboy Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess grease.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

Transfer the beef mixture to a large bowl. Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, corn, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the beef mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with a layer of shredded cheddar cheese, then arrange tater tots in a single layer over the top.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.

Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers settle and makes scooping easier.

Serving and Storing the Easy Cowboy Casserole

Serve this casserole hot from the oven, ideally with a fresh green salad or steamed veggies for a bit of balance. It’s hearty enough to stand alone but even better with simple sides. The crispy tater tots on top stay golden if served immediately.

For storing, let leftovers cool completely. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop a portion into the oven or air fryer to regain that crisp top, or microwave if you’re short on time. This casserole also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe spicier?

You can add a can of diced green chiles, a pinch of cayenne, or stir in hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and makes the casserole a bit lighter.

Is it okay to use cream of chicken instead of mushroom soup?

Yes, cream of chicken is a fine substitute and slightly changes the flavor profile to be a bit more savory and less earthy.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend for more depth.

Can I add beans to make it heartier?

Definitely! A can of drained black beans or pinto beans fits right in and adds more protein and texture.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this Easy Cowboy Casserole, you’ll definitely want to try these other comforting dishes from Life With Olivia:

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for cheesy, layered indulgence.
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole for a holiday-style meal any night.

Cheesy Pizza Tater Tot Casserole if you’re craving cheesy, saucy fun.
Scalloped Corn Casserole as a sweet-savory side.
Mexican Cornbread Casserole for a Tex-Mex flavor boost.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can come back to it anytime.

And let me know in the comments how your Cowboy Casserole turned out! Did you sneak in jalapeños or try a different cheese? Did your kids love the tater tot topping as much as mine?

I love hearing your spins on these dishes. Questions or tweaks are always welcome—let’s make mealtime magic together.

Looking for more? Visit my Pinterest for daily recipes and kitchen inspo: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

Easy Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 50 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Cowboy Casserole is a cozy and satisfying dish layered with savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, sweet corn, melted cheddar cheese, and topped with crispy tater tots. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week. Packed with texture and flavor, this hearty casserole is comfort food made simple.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until beef is no longer pink. Drain excess grease.

3. Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a large mixing bowl. Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, frozen corn, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

4. Spread the beef mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.

6. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.

7. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

8. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.