Description
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish combining seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, sweet corn, crispy bacon, and a crunchy tater tot topping baked to golden perfection with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a satisfying family meal with a deliciously savory blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground beef (85/15)
- 1 cup corn
- 2/3 cup condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 32 ounces tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the corn, condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk, sour cream, onion powder, black pepper, and crumbled bacon to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir everything together thoroughly to create a creamy, savory mixture.
- Layer Casserole: In a 9×13 inch baking pan, evenly spread the beef mixture as a bottom layer. Next, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the beef layer. Finally, arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, lining them up for even coverage.
- Bake Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
- Add Final Cheese Layer: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding diced onions or green peppers to the beef mixture while cooking.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for different flavor variations.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef mixture reaches an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispness of the tater tots.
