Description
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, corn, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots baked to perfection. Ideal for a satisfying family dinner or potluck.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 10.75 ounce can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and chopped
- 28 ounces frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces, until it is no longer pink. Drain excess grease thoroughly.
- Mix Cream Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth.
- Season Mixture: Add the onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the creamy mixture and stir until combined.
- Combine with Main Ingredients: Stir in the cooked ground beef, frozen corn, ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped bacon using a wooden spoon until well mixed.
- Layer in Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheese evenly on top, then layer the frozen tater tots over the cheese.
- Bake Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the tater tots are browned and crispy.
- Add Final Cheese Layer: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese has melted.
- Serve: Optionally sprinkle additional chopped bacon on top before serving. Serve hot for a filling and delicious meal.
Notes
- Use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a lower fat version.
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup if preferred.
- Ensure to drain grease from cooked ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- For extra crispiness, you may broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end but watch closely to avoid burning.
- This casserole reheats well and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
