Description
This hearty Cowboy Casserole combines ground beef, creamy soups, corn, and crispy tater tots for a comforting, family-friendly meal baked to perfection with a cheesy topping.
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 prepare 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 fully browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat to ensure a less greasy casserole.
- Mix Soup and Seasonings: Add the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, drained corn, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble Casserole Base: Spread the beef and soup mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a thick, uniform layer.
- Add Tater Tot Layer: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture, covering the entire surface.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the tater tots turn golden brown and crispy on top.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding diced green chilies or jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Make sure to drain the ground beef well to avoid a soggy casserole.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead up to step 5, then baked when ready to serve.
