Name: Cowboy Casserole: A Hearty and Easy Ground Beef, Corn, Cheese, and Tater Tots Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained; 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice); 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste

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Introduction

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines ground beef, corn, cheese, and crispy tater tots for a satisfying meal. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

A white plate holds a creamy dish with two main layers: the bottom layer is a thick, pale beige sauce with visible herbs and small bits, spreading wide across the plate; on top are large, golden-brown crispy cauliflower pieces with crunchy edges, mixed with small, browned bits that look like bacon. Fresh chopped green herbs are sprinkled all over, adding bright green color details over the creamy sauce and crispy cauliflower. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir until well combined.
Step 4: In a greased baking dish, layer the beef mixture evenly.
Step 5: Spread the drained corn over the beef layer.
Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top of the corn layer.
Step 7: Arrange the tater tots evenly over the cheese layer.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Step 9: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

Try adding chopped bell peppers or onions to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup if preferred.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a richer taste.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until warm.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a creamy dish with a thick sauce base that is pale yellow and speckled with herbs, covering tender white and golden browned layers of flaky chicken. Crispy bits of browned bacon or similar meat are scattered on top, adding dark reddish-brown spots. The dish is garnished with small bright green chopped herbs spread evenly over the surface. The lighting highlights the richness of the creamy sauce and the crispy crust on the chicken. The plate sits on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Cowboy Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight before baking.

Can I use homemade tater tots or another topping instead?

Absolutely. You can use homemade tater tots, hash browns, or even sliced potatoes as a topping, depending on your preference.