Description
This hearty Cowboy Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one dish featuring a savory blend of ground beef, cream soups, corn, and crispy tater tots topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines rich flavors and easy preparation for a satisfying 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 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onions become soft. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, drained corn, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the skillet, mixing thoroughly to create a flavorful base for the casserole.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef and soup mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer evenly on top of the beef mixture to guarantee a crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated 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 shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or a cheese blend if preferred.
- Use low-sodium cream soups to reduce salt content.
- To make it a one-pan meal, use a skillet that is oven-safe to cook the beef mixture and bake directly.
- Ensure tater tots are arranged in a single layer for even cooking and crispiness.
