Cowboy Casserole
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, all-American comfort dish that’s easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy. This dish layers savory ground beef, creamy soup, sweet corn, and plenty of melted cheese—topped with crispy tater tots for that golden crunch. It’s the ultimate one-dish dinner that’s beloved by kids and adults alike, and perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients:
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen tater tots
1 tbsp olive oil or butter (optional, for sautéing)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Beef Mixture:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil (if using), then sauté the onion until soft, about 3 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease.
Season with salt and pepper.
Mix the Filling:
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and corn.
Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until combined.
Let simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Top with an even layer of frozen tater tots.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Serve:
Let cool for a few minutes, then serve warm with a side salad or roasted veggies.
Tips for Best Results
Crispier Tater Tots
For extra crunch, bake the tater tots for 10–15 minutes on a sheet pan before adding them on top of the casserole.
Drain the Beef Well
After browning the beef, drain the fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
Let It Rest
After baking, let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up and makes scooping easier.
Use a Deep Dish
A 9×13″ dish works great, but if your filling is thick, use a deeper dish to prevent bubbling over.
Shred Your Own Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese often doesn’t melt as smoothly as freshly shredded from a block.
Variations to Try
Corn Swap
Try cream-style corn or add frozen peas, green beans, or a Southwest veggie mix instead of whole-kernel corn.
French-Fried Onions
Add a layer of crispy French-fried onions before baking or just before serving for crunch and flavor.
Spicy Twist
Add chopped jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or use pepper jack cheese for a little kick.
Garlic & Herb
Season your sour cream or soup with garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh chopped parsley for an herbaceous touch.
Cheese Blend
Use a combo of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella for a richer melt and more complex flavor.
Chicken Version
Use cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter variation.
Make It a One-Pan Meal
Cook the beef and build the casserole in an oven-safe skillet (like cast iron), then pop it right in the oven—fewer dishes!
Q&A – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make Cowboy Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 1 day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding 5–10 extra minutes if it’s still cold.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Definitely. Prepare the casserole without baking it, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45–50 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Q: What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
A: You can substitute with cream of chicken soup, or make a homemade white sauce (béchamel) if you want to skip canned soup.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Yes. Substitute the beef with plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils, and use a vegetarian-friendly soup alternative.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 460
Protein: 23g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 700mg
Note: Nutrition will vary depending on exact brands and ingredients used.
Conclusion
Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food—simple, hearty, and packed with familiar flavors. It’s creamy, cheesy, and crispy all in one bite, making it a go-to for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cold-weather dinners. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable to fit your family’s taste. Once you make it, this classic will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!