Description
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring a savory ground beef and onion base mixed with creamy mushroom and chicken soups, sweet corn, and seasoned with garlic and onion powder. Topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook beef and onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onions have softened. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Combine soup and seasonings: Add the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, drained corn, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and heated through.
- Prepare casserole base: Spread the beef and soup mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer that will serve as the base of your casserole.
- Top with tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture, covering the surface completely for a crispy topping.
- Bake tater tots: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven carefully, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then return the dish to the oven.
- Melt cheese: Bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheddar cheese has melted and is bubbly, signaling that your casserole is ready to be served.
Notes
- You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of celery or cream of mushroom if preferred for a different flavor profile.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika to the beef mixture.
- This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
- To make it lighter, use lean ground beef and reduced-fat cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
