Description
🤠 Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting one-pan meal combining savory ground beef, creamy base, and crispy tater tot topping.
🔥 This easy-to-make dish offers rich flavors and a satisfying crunch, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 10-ounce can drained corn
– 10-ounce can cream of mushroom soup
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
– 30-ounce bag frozen crispy crowns or tater tots
Instructions
1-First Step: Preheat and prep ingredients Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Drain canned corn and dice the onion and mince garlic to prepare for cooking.
2-Second Step: Cook ground beef and aromatics In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain excess grease from the pan for a leaner casserole.
3-Third Step: Season the meat mixture Season the cooked beef with salt, black pepper, paprika, dried parsley, and onion powder. Stir well to combine the spices evenly throughout the meat.
4-Fourth Step: Mix in remaining ingredients Add Worcestershire sauce, drained corn, cream of mushroom soup, about one cup of shredded cheese, and sour cream to the skillet. Stir everything together until completely combined and heated through, creating a creamy, cheesy mixture.
5-Fifth Step: Assemble the casserole Transfer the beef mixture evenly into an oven-safe deep 12-inch skillet or baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top. Arrange the frozen crispy crowns or tater tots on the surface in a single layer for an even topping.
6-Sixth Step: Bake and finish Bake the assembled casserole uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp. For an extra crispy finish, broil for the last few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
7-Final Step: Serve and enjoy Remove from the oven and let the cowboy casserole rest for a few minutes. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting and crowd-pleasing meal. Adjust baking times if using vegan or gluten-free substitutions.
Notes
🥔 Use crispy crowns for a crispier topping, or traditional tater tots for classic texture.
🍅 Substitute cream of mushroom soup with your favorite cream-based soup for different flavors.
🥦 Add cooked broccoli or cooked rice to vary texture and boost nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Keywords: cowboy casserole, tater tot casserole, one-pan dinner, comfort food