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Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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4.4 from 11 reviews

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring savory ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, sweet corn, and crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection with melted Colby Jack cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 10 oz can of corn drained

Seasonings

  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp parsley
  • 1 tsp onion powder

Dairy and Sauces

  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 10 oz can of cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese

Toppings

  • 30 oz bag of frozen crispy crowns or tater tots

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef and Onions: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook 1 lb ground beef with diced onion, stirring occasionally until beef is browned and onions are softened.
  2. Season the Meat: Add salt, pepper, paprika, parsley, and onion powder to the skillet. Mix well to evenly coat the beef mixture.
  3. Drain Excess Grease: Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the casserole from being too oily.
  4. Add Flavorings and Mix: Stir in minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, drained corn, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
  5. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the beef mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for an extra melty layer.
  6. Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen crispy crowns or tater tots evenly on top of the casserole mixture.
  7. Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 30 minutes until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your hearty cowboy casserole!

Notes

  • For a lower fat option, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.
  • You can swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for a different flavor.
  • Adding chopped bell peppers or jalapeños can give the casserole a spicy kick.
  • If you prefer softer tater tots, cover loosely with foil during the first 15 minutes of baking.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.