If you’re looking for a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal, this Cowboy Casserole is exactly what you need. It’s packed with seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots on top. Think of it as the perfect mix between a classic tater tot hotdish and a Tex-Mex-inspired casserole. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving something cozy, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make. Everything comes together in one casserole dish with minimal prep.
Family-friendly. Kids and adults alike love the crispy tater tots and cheesy goodness.
Make-ahead friendly. Prep it in advance and just pop it in the oven when ready.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
½ cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Full list of ingredients is below.

Directions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease, then stir in the garlic, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, and drained corn. Stir until everything is well mixed.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the beef mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots on top in a single layer.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy

Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Expert Tips and Tricks

For extra crunch, bake the tater tots separately for 10 minutes before adding them to the casserole.
Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Add a little heat by stirring in some diced green chilies or jalapeños.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor.
Use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom for a milder taste.
Add black beans or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This casserole is a meal on its own, but it pairs well with a simple side salad or roasted veggies. If you want to go all out, serve it with a side of cornbread or garlic bread.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to keep the tater tots crispy. You can also microwave individual portions, but the texture won’t be as crispy.

4 FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze Cowboy Casserole?
Absolutely! Assemble it, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 50 minutes.
What can I use instead of tater tots?
Try hash browns or even biscuit dough for a different take.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the beef mixture, then layer everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

Conclusion

This Cowboy Casserole is pure comfort food with its creamy, cheesy filling and crispy tater tots on top. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Cowboy Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Cowboy Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, combining seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, and sweet corn, all topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheese. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that will please the whole family.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Beef Mixture:
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, and frozen corn. Mix well to combine and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Smooth the beef mixture evenly in the skillet. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, covering the entire surface.
Bake:
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
- Once done, remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh chives or scallions before serving.

Notes

Variations: For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon pieces or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms.
Make-Ahead: The beef mixture can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, assemble the casserole with tater tots and cheese, and bake as directed.
Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.