Cowboy Casserole

Short Description

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish featuring layers of ground beef, creamy sauce, cheese, and crispy tater tots. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple, one-pan meal
• Kid-friendly and family-approved
• Great for leftovers and meal prep
• Customizable with different proteins and veggies
• Delicious, cheesy, and crispy textures

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Cheddar cheese, shredded
• Frozen tater tots
• Milk
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper
• Paprika
• Green onions (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Cook the Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef with diced onions and garlic over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
3. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the baking dish. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and sprinkle half of the shredded cheese.
5. Add Tater Tots: Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
6. Bake: Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
7. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake for another 5 minutes until melted.
8. Serve: Garnish with green onions and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with black beans or lentils.
• Extra Veggies: Mix in corn, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Topping Upgrade: Use crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions for added crunch.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a covered dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals.

FAQs

Can I make Cowboy Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute with cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Layer the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

How do I keep the tater tots crispy?

Bake uncovered and ensure they’re in a single layer for even crispiness.

Can I add bacon to this dish?

Absolutely! Crumbled cooked bacon adds extra flavor.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free soup and check that your tater tots are gluten-free.

What side dishes pair well with this?

A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables complement this casserole well.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

Yes! Thinly sliced potatoes will work but may require a longer bake time.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar is classic, but Colby Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack are great options.

How can I make this dish lighter?

Use ground turkey, low-fat cheese, and a lighter sour cream alternative.

Conclusion

Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. With crispy tater tots, a creamy beef filling, and melty cheese, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s great for any occasion. Give it a try and enjoy!

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