Description
Make the best Cowboy Casserole with beef, tater tots, cheese & a creamy sauce. A hearty, family-friendly dish ready in under an hour!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add onions and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to season the beef.
- Prepare the creamy sauce by whisking together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk in a bowl.
- Combine the beef and sauce, mixing well.
- Assemble the casserole by spreading the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the drained corn over the beef, followed by 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top, covering the entire dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake for another 5-10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Make it spicier by adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for extra flavor.
- Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- For a vegetarian option, use black beans or lentils instead of meat.
- Freeze before baking to make an easy meal-prep option—just thaw and bake when ready.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15minutes
- Cook Time: 40minutes