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Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Cowboy Casserole Recipe

This Cowboy Casserole Recipe is the ultimate comfort food — a rich, creamy, and cheesy casserole loaded with ground beef, corn, and topped with crispy tater tots. Perfect for fast dinner recipes, family weeknight meals, or cozy weekends. Inspired by Shepard’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole and Cowboy Tatertot Casserole, it’s an all-time favorite that’s easy to make and loved by everyone!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb 450g ground beef
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 bag 32 oz frozen tater tots

Method
 

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook Beef: In a skillet, brown ground beef with chopped onion and garlic until cooked through. Drain excess grease.
  3. Make the Mixture: Add cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, corn, paprika, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Stir well.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Layer tater tots evenly over the top.
  5. Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until tater tots are golden and crispy.
  6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake for another 5 minutes until melted.
  7. Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desire

Notes

  • Use hash browns instead of tater tots for a breakfast-style twist.
  • Add a drizzle of barbecue sauce for a smoky cowboy-style flavor.
  • For a Shepard’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole variation, mix in peas and carrots.
  • Make it a freezer-friendly meal — assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.