Description
This hearty Cowboy Casserole combines ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, sour cream, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots into a satisfying baked dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
Dairy and Canned Goods
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Other
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Ground Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and continue cooking until the onion softens, about 3–4 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, drained corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies into the beef mixture. Mix well until combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer evenly across the cheese.
- Bake Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Take the casserole out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup if preferred.
- For added heat, use diced tomatoes with green chilies or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Feel free to swap cheddar cheese for a different melty cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a twist.
- The casserole can be prepared ahead of time, assembled in the dish, covered, and refrigerated overnight before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
