Easy Cowboy Casserole
Creamy, hearty, and utterly comforting, Easy Cowboy Casserole is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Servings: 6 servings
Equipment
- Skillet
- Casserole Dish
Ingredients
Meat
- 1.5 pounds Ground beef (85/15 lean), raw
Vegetables
- 1 cup Corn kernels, drained if canned or thawed if frozen
- 1 can Diced tomatoes, drained 10 oz can
Sauces and Dairy
- 2/3 cup Condensed cream of mushroom soup Room temperature
- 1/3 cup Whole milk Room temperature
- 1/4 cup Sour cream Room temperature
- 1 cup Shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided Shredded
Spices
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
Topping
- 32 ounces Frozen tater tots Straight from the freezer
- 1 tablespoon Chopped fresh parsley For garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 7 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally so it cooks evenly. Drain any excess fat by carefully tilting the pan and using a spoon or pour into a heat-proof container.
- Return the skillet to medium heat and stir in the corn and the drained diced tomatoes. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to warm through.
- Add the condensed cream of mushroom soup, half of the shredded cheddar cheese (about 1/2 cup), whole milk, sour cream, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and evenly combined, about 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula so the surface is level.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the beef mixture. This creates a cheesy barrier before the tots go on.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the casserole, covering the surface so each bite gets a crispy top. No need to thaw — they bake crisp from frozen.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- For an extra melty finish, sprinkle a little more shredded cheddar across the top after the initial bake and return to the oven for 5 minutes until melted.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for a bright touch.
Notes
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days.