Cowboy Casserole

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A hearty, comforting casserole combining seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and golden tater tots — perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. This dish packs a punch of flavor with minimal effort and is guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite.

A Homestyle Classic with a Twist

Cowboy Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. Inspired by the rugged simplicity and hearty appetites of the Old West, this casserole brings together classic American ingredients in a convenient, easy-to-make one-pan dish. It features a savory base of seasoned ground beef and sautéed onions simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. The addition of smoky, crispy bacon takes this casserole to a whole new level.

Not only is this casserole delicious, but it’s also versatile and forgiving — perfect for busy cooks who want a filling, crowd-pleasing meal without hours of preparation. Whether you’re feeding a family, preparing for a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, Cowboy Casserole delivers satisfying flavors with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean): Provides a rich, meaty base without excessive grease.

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onions and browning the beef.

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances savory notes.

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts onion flavor subtly.

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and earthiness.

  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels: Adds sweetness and a pleasant texture contrast.

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: The creamy binding agent that makes this casserole rich.

  • ½ cup whole milk: Thins the sauce slightly for perfect consistency.

  • ¼ cup sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess.

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds bold flavor.

  • 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon: Smoky, salty goodness that adds texture and umami.

  • 30 oz frozen tater tots: Crispy and golden, they serve as the perfect crunchy topping.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Set your oven rack in the middle to ensure even cooking.

2. Prepare the beef mixture.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent and fragrant. This step releases the natural sweetness of the onions, which balances the savory beef.

3. Brown the ground beef.
Add ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to prevent a greasy casserole.

4. Season the beef.
Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper evenly over the beef mixture. Stir to combine well. The seasoning enhances the meat’s natural flavors without overpowering the dish.

5. Add corn and creamy base.
Stir in frozen corn kernels, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated. The cream of mushroom soup adds depth and richness, while the sour cream introduces a pleasant tang that brightens the dish.

6. Incorporate bacon and cheese.
Fold in the cooked crumbled bacon and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. The bacon adds smokiness and crunch, while the cheese melts into the mixture, making it irresistibly creamy.

7. Assemble the casserole.
Transfer the beef mixture into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to form a uniform base layer.

8. Top with tater tots.
Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture. Don’t thaw them beforehand; baking from frozen ensures they become crispy.

9. Bake the casserole.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. During this time, the beef mixture will bubble, and the tater tots will crisp and turn golden brown.

10. Add the final cheese layer.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the crispy tater tots. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles.

11. Rest before serving.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the casserole set, making it easier to cut and serve.

Prep and Nutritional Info

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 50 minutes

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

  • Servings: 6

  • Calories: ~670 kcal per serving

Expert Tips for the Best Cowboy Casserole

  • Choose the right ground beef: 85% lean provides a good balance of flavor and fat, preventing dryness without excess grease.

  • Don’t skip sautéing the onions: This unlocks sweetness that complements the savory beef perfectly.

  • Add corn for texture: The sweet kernels add a subtle crunch and burst of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.

  • Use frozen tater tots straight from the freezer: Thawing them makes them soggy and less crispy after baking.

  • Customize your bacon: For a smoky twist, try thick-cut or applewood-smoked bacon.

  • Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for a kick.

  • Make it vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with a plant-based crumble and use vegetable broth-based cream soup.

  • Prepare ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day before and refrigerate it, then bake fresh when ready to serve.

  • Serve with sides: Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.

Serving Suggestions

Cowboy Casserole is a meal in itself, but adding some fresh sides can elevate the experience:

  • Garden Salad: Crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette provide freshness.

  • Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: Lightly steamed veggies add color and nutrients.

  • Pickled Jalapeños: A spicy, tangy topping complements the creamy casserole nicely.

  • Cornbread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.

Variations to Try

  • Mexican Cowboy Casserole: Add black beans, diced green chilies, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Top with crushed tortilla chips instead of tater tots.

  • BBQ Twist: Stir in BBQ sauce to the beef mixture and top with fried onion strings instead of tater tots.

  • Cheesy Potato Casserole: Replace tater tots with sliced potatoes and add mozzarella for extra cheesy layers.

  • Breakfast Cowboy Casserole: Use breakfast sausage instead of ground beef, add scrambled eggs, and top with hash browns.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cowboy Casserole recipe is:

  • Simple: Minimal ingredients and easy assembly.

  • Comforting: Creamy, cheesy, and full of classic flavors.

  • Versatile: Easily adapted to your tastes or dietary needs.

  • Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.

  • Crowd-pleasing: Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or casual weeknight meals.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re craving a satisfying, cheesy casserole after a long day or planning a dish to impress your family, Cowboy Casserole is a perfect choice. The mix of tender beef, rich sauce, smoky bacon, and crispy tater tots hits every comfort food note. Plus, it’s super easy to make with pantry staples and frozen ingredients.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out! Feel free to share your variations or tweaks — this casserole is meant to be customized and enjoyed in your own way. Happy cooking!

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