Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just a hungry family. This casserole combines the savory flavors of ground beef and onions with the creamy texture of soups and sour cream, topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheese. It’s a no-fuss, all-in-one meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is satisfying to eat. I recently made this casserole for a family gathering, and it was an instant favorite. The combination of textures and flavors was a hit, and the ease of preparation made it a stress-free choice for a busy day.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. Ground beef
- 1 Large bag frozen tater tots
- 1 C. Onion, chopped
- 2 tsp. Minced garlic
- ½ C. Milk
- 1 Can Cream of onion soup
- 1 Can of corn, drained
- ¼ C. Sour cream
- 2 C. Shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Add ½ of the tater tots in a single layer on the bottom of a well-greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Place the meat and onion into a skillet over medium-high heat on the stove and cook until the meat is completely browned and the onions have softened.
- Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the garlic and saute for another 30 seconds.
- Mix in the soup, milk, corn, sour cream, 1 cup of the cheese, and salt and pepper to taste, and stir to combine with the meat mixture.
- Spread the meat mixture over the layer of tater tots.
- Place another layer of tater tots on top, and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake 30-40 minutes until the tater tots are crispy and the cheese has melted.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories per serving: Approximately 500
Additional Tips
- For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey instead of beef.
- Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers or green beans for more nutrients.
- The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
FAQ
- Can I make this casserole vegetarian? Yes, use a meat substitute or extra vegetables in place of ground beef.
- Is it possible to make this gluten-free? Yes, ensure that the cream of onion soup and tater tots are gluten-free.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, it can be frozen before or after baking. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- How can I make this casserole spicier? Add diced jalapeños or chili powder to the meat mixture.
- What can I serve with Cowboy Casserole? It pairs well with a side salad or steamed green vegetables.