Why Make This Recipe
Cowboy casserole is a perfect dish for busy weeknights and gatherings alike. It’s hearty, filling, and packed with flavor. This recipe combines the warmth of home-cooked comfort food with the ease of a throw-it-all-together meal. Plus, it’s a hit with both kids and adults, making dinnertime a breeze!
How to Make Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir until well combined.
- In a greased baking dish, layer the beef mixture, followed by the drained corn, and then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
- Finally, arrange the tater tots evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Cowboy Casserole
Serve cowboy casserole warm, right out of the oven. It pairs nicely with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. You can also top it with fresh herbs, sour cream, or chopped green onions for an extra touch.
How to Store Cowboy Casserole
To store cowboy casserole, let it cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Tips to Make Cowboy Casserole
- Customize It: Feel free to add other ingredients like diced bell peppers or onions for extra veggie goodness.
- Spice It Up: If you like some heat, add a sprinkle of chili powder or diced jalapeños.
- Cheese Choices: Mix different types of cheese for varied flavor and texture.
Variation
You can turn this cowboy casserole into a chicken casserole by using shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef. Just substitute the beef with 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken, and follow the rest of the recipe the same way.
FAQs
Can I make cowboy casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and keep it in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh corn works great. Just cook it first and add it to the casserole.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can replace the ground beef with a meat substitute or add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or beans for protein.
Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with shredded rotisserie chicken for a chicken version
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained Fresh corn can be used as an alternative
- 2 cups shredded cheese Cheddar or your choice of cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir until well combined.
- In a greased baking dish, layer the beef mixture, followed by the drained corn, and then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
- Finally, arrange the tater tots evenly over the cheese layer.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
