Description
Satisfy your cravings with this Cowboy Casserole, a hearty and comforting dish loaded with savory ground beef, creamy sauce, sweet corn, and crispy tater tots. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic:
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- Add the cooked beef mixture, corn, and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir to coat evenly.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the mixture.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
- Make it Spicy: Add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with plant-based meat or sautéed mushrooms.
- Prevent Dryness: Cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking, then uncover to crisp the tater tots.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American