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Easy Cowboy Casserole


  • Author: Georgiana
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 1 large casserole 1x

Description

This Easy Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Made with ground beef, tater tots, cheddar cheese, and a creamy sauce, it’s the perfect family-friendly dinner for any night of the week.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (10.5 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 (32 oz.) bag frozen tater tots
  • 1 cup corn (canned or frozen, optional)

Seasonings:

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
  3. Stir in the chopped onions and garlic; cook until softened.
  4. Drain excess grease from the skillet.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

  1. In the skillet, stir in:
    • Cream of mushroom soup
    • Sour cream
    • Worcestershire sauce
    • Smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper
  2. Mix well until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  2. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the beef.
  3. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
  4. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tater tots.

Step 5: Bake & Serve

  1. Bake for 40 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  2. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
  3. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For extra crunch, pre-bake the tater tots for 10 minutes before adding them.
  • To add spice, mix in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • For a healthier version, use ground turkey and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450-500
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg