Need a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s ready in an hour? Cowboy Casserole is a Tater Tot Casserole that combines savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy tater tots for a comforting ground beef bake. This hearty beef casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or feeding picky eaters. With flexible ingredients and easy prep, this cheesy tater tot dish will become a family favorite. Let’s make this Cowboy Casserole and bring comfort to your table!
Why You’ll Love Cowboy Casserole
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Family-Friendly: This Cowboy Casserole is a hit with kids and adults alike.
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Quick and Easy: Ready in about 60 minutes with minimal prep.
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One-Dish Wonder: A complete meal in one pan for easy cleanup.
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Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your pantry or tastes.
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Comfort Food: A warm, cheesy tater tot dish that’s pure coziness.
Ingredients for Cowboy Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need for this hearty beef casserole (serves 6):
For the Casserole:
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1 lb (450g) ground beef
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1 can (15 oz / 425g) corn, drained
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1 can (10.5 oz / 298g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
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½ cup (120ml) milk
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¼ cup (60g) sour cream
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp black pepper
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4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
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1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
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1 bag (32 oz / 907g) frozen tater tots
For Serving (Optional):
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Chopped green onions or parsley
Equipment
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Large skillet
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9×13-inch baking dish
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Spatula or wooden spoon
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Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredient Tips
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Ground Beef: Use 80–85% lean for flavor in this Cowboy Casserole.
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Soup: Swap cream of mushroom for cream of chicken or celery for variety.
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Tater Tots: Thinly sliced baby potatoes work if you don’t have tots for this cheesy tater tot dish.
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Cheese: Try mozzarella or pepper jack for a different cheesy tater tot dish.
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Bacon: Pre-cooked bacon saves time; omit for a vegetarian hearty beef casserole (using plant-based meat).
Directions for Cowboy Casserole
Let’s make this Cowboy Casserole—a perfect comforting ground beef bake!
Preheat and Prep
I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). I grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking.
Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook 1 lb ground beef, breaking it apart, until no longer pink (about 6–8 minutes). I drain excess fat, then stir in 1 can corn, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup sour cream, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp pepper, 4 crumbled bacon slices, and ¼ cup cheddar cheese, mixing well for a hearty beef casserole.
Assemble the Casserole
I spread the beef mixture evenly in the baking dish, top with a single layer of tater tots, and sprinkle with the remaining ¾ cup cheddar cheese for a cheesy tater tot dish.
Bake
I bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown. If the tots brown too quickly, I cover with foil halfway through.
Serve
I garnish with green onions or parsley and serve hot, enjoying this comforting ground beef bake.
Nutrition
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
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Total Time: ~60 minutes
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Servings: 6 (about 1–1.5 cups per serving)
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Calories: ~550–600 kcal per serving
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Macros per Serving: 45g carbs, 25g protein, 30g fat, 3g fiber
Variations for Cowboy Casserole
Try these twists on this cheesy tater tot dish:
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Taco Twist: Season beef with taco seasoning and add canned chilies, inspired by Food and Tips’ Roasted Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese.
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Veggie Boost: Layer in frozen peas or broccoli for a veggie-packed hearty beef casserole.
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Meat Swap: Use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef.
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Bean Addition: Mix in kidney or pinto beans for extra heartiness.
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Slow Cooker: Layer in a slow cooker and cook on low for 5 hours for a hands-off comforting ground beef bake.
Serving Ideas:
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Pair with Food and Tips’ Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad for a fresh contrast.
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Serve with Food and Tips’ Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken for a hearty meal.
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Enjoy with Food and Tips’ Vanilla Raspberry Iced Latte for a light pairing.
Storage
I store leftover comforting ground beef bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezing, I cool completely, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight. I reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, adding extra cheese if desired.
Serving Tips
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Presentation: Serve in bowls for a cozy Cowboy Casserole experience.
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Garnish: Add green onions or parsley for color.
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Pairing: Pair with a side salad or Food and Tips’ Coconut Cooler for balance.
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Portion Size: 1–1.5 cups per person for a satisfying meal.
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Occasions: Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or family dinners.
FAQs About Cowboy Casserole
Here are answers to common questions about this dish:
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Yes, thinly sliced baby potatoes work well in this Cowboy Casserole; increase baking time by 10 minutes.
Can I make it ahead?
Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking for a convenient cheesy tater tot dish.
Can I use a different meat?
Ground turkey or sausage are great swaps for this hearty beef casserole.
How do I add vegetables?
Layer frozen peas or broccoli under the tots, adding 10 minutes to baking time.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Layer in a slow cooker and cook on low for 5 hours for an easy comforting ground beef bake.
More Recipes to Try:
- Parmesan Crusted Cod – A High Protein Dinner Delight
- Split Pea Soup – A Cozy Quick Dinner
- German Potato Soup (Easy & Flavor-Packed Dinner Recipe)
Conclusion
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that’s quick to make and sure to please. This cheesy tater tot dish is perfect for any night. Whip up this hearty beef casserole, gather your loved ones, and enjoy its warm, satisfying flavors!
Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb 450g ground beef
- 1 can 15 oz / 425g corn, drained
- 1 can 10.5 oz / 298g condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup 120ml milk
- ¼ cup 60g sour cream
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup 100g shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag 32 oz / 907g frozen tater tots
For Serving (Optional):
- Chopped green onions or parsley
Instructions
Preheat and Prep
- I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). I grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking.
Cook the Beef Mixture
- In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook 1 lb ground beef, breaking it apart, until no longer pink (about 6–8 minutes). I drain excess fat, then stir in 1 can corn, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup sour cream, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp pepper, 4 crumbled bacon slices, and ¼ cup cheddar cheese, mixing well for a hearty beef casserole.
Assemble the Casserole
- I spread the beef mixture evenly in the baking dish, top with a single layer of tater tots, and sprinkle with the remaining ¾ cup cheddar cheese for a cheesy tater tot dish.
Bake
- I bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown. If the tots brown too quickly, I cover with foil halfway through.
Serve
- I garnish with green onions or parsley and serve hot, enjoying this comforting ground beef bake.
Notes
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