Description
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, corn, and Rotel tomatoes, all topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole combines easy-to-find ingredients with simple steps to create a delicious layered meal full of rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
Dairy and Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Other
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Cooking spray
- Extra sour cream (for serving)
- Bacon bits (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside for later.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together. Break up the meat as it cooks. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened.
- Drain Grease: Use a colander to drain all the grease from the cooked beef and onion mixture. This important step prevents the casserole from becoming greasy. Return the drained beef mixture to the skillet and set aside.
- Mix Creamy Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, drained corn, and undrained Rotel tomatoes. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir everything together until you have a creamy, well-mixed filling.
- Layer Beef and Creamy Mixture: Spread the cooked ground beef evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy soup mixture over the beef layer and gently spread it to cover all the meat completely.
- Add Tater Tot Layer: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, tight layer over the top of the creamy mixture. Cover the entire surface with tater tots for maximum crispy coverage.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. The casserole should be bubbling around the edges and the tater tots should be golden brown and crispy.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven, then immediately sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hot tater tots. Return the dish to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This resting time lets the layers set, making it much easier to cut and serve.
- Serve and Garnish: Cut the casserole into 8 portions and serve hot. Garnish with sliced green onions, extra sour cream, and bacon bits as desired for added flavor and texture. Enjoy your hearty Cowboy Casserole!
Notes
- Draining the grease from the cooked beef is key to preventing a greasy casserole.
- Using a single layer of tater tots ensures maximum crispiness.
- Letting the casserole rest before cutting helps it hold together better.
- You can swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery for a different flavor profile.
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or use spicy Rotel tomatoes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
