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.
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
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.
Notes
For extra flavor, mix in a handful of cooked bacon bits with the beef mixture.
To make ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer for best crispiness on the tater tots.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: cowboy casserole, easy casserole, tater tot bake, family dinner