Easy Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Looking for a simple and delicious dinner idea? Try this Easy Cowboy Casserole! Made with ground beef, creamy chicken soup, sweet corn, and crispy tater tots, this comforting casserole is the perfect one-pan meal for busy nights. With melted Cheddar cheese and a savory, hearty filling, it’s sure to satisfy your whole family. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, a potluck, or a weekend gathering, this casserole is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 can (8 ¾ oz) whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup (undiluted)
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
• ⅓ cup 2% milk
• 4 tbsp sour cream
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Cracked pepper, to taste
• 1-2 lb bag of tater tots

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the drained corn and the condensed cream of chicken soup to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. Stir in the milk, sour cream, ½ cup of shredded Cheddar cheese, onion powder, and cracked pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
5. Layer half of the tater tots in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
6. Spoon the beef and soup mixture evenly over the tater tots.
7. Top with the remaining tater tots, followed by the remaining ½ cup of Cheddar cheese.
8. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, slice, and serve.

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Tips

• Meat options: If you prefer, you can swap the lean ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Crispier tots: For extra crispy tater tots, bake the casserole uncovered for the last 5 minutes of baking time.
• Flavor boost: Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the beef mixture for an added pop of flavor.
• Serving size: This recipe can easily be doubled if you’re serving a larger crowd.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute, or add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese: If you don’t have Cheddar, you can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.
• Soup alternative: You can use condensed cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken for a different taste.
• Tater tots: If you prefer, you can use hash browns or even frozen French fries as the base layer.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. After assembling, cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add frozen peas, diced carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Pair with a crusty bread roll or garlic bread to make the meal more filling.
• For a touch of heat, top with salsa or a dollop of sour cream before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Cowboy Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy nights. It’s simple to make, with minimal ingredients and just a few easy steps. The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy soup, and crispy tater tots is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or as a potluck dish, this casserole will quickly become a favorite!