Description
This hearty Cowboy Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal featuring ground beef, creamy soups, corn, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines savory flavors and textures that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
Soups and Dairy
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Others
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready 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 are soft. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, drained corn, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined, creating a flavorful mixture.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spread the beef and soup mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the base layer of the casserole.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture, which will bake to a crispy, golden topping.
- Bake Casserole: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, then return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Drain excess fat from the cooked beef to keep the casserole from becoming too greasy.
- You can substitute the cream of mushroom or chicken soup with homemade versions for a fresher taste.
- Feel free to add a little chili powder or paprika for a spicier kick.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to set and cool slightly for easier portioning.
