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Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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4.2 from 10 reviews

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish featuring seasoned ground beef layered with creamy mushroom sauce, corn, and melted Colby Jack cheese, topped with crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a family meal, this casserole combines savory flavors and satisfying textures in under an hour.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 10 oz can of corn, drained

Spices and Sauces

  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp parsley
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 10 oz can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/4 cup sour cream

Dairy

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese

Other

  • 30 oz bag frozen crispy crowns or tater tots

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef and onion: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 lb of ground beef along with the diced onion. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, parsley, and onion powder to infuse the meat with flavor.
  2. Drain excess grease: Once the beef is fully cooked and browned, drain any extra grease from the skillet to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
  3. Mix in remaining ingredients: Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, drained corn, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and shredded Colby Jack cheese to the cooked beef mixture. Stir everything thoroughly to create a creamy, flavorful filling. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top.
  4. Assemble and bake: Transfer the filling into a casserole dish, then evenly arrange the frozen crispy crowns or tater tots over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
  5. Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven carefully and let cool slightly. Serve warm as a delicious, filling meal that's perfect for feeding a family.

Notes

  • For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder when seasoning the beef.
  • Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken for a different flavor profile.
  • The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking—add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and creaminess.
  • If you prefer a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef and reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.

Find it online: https://cookedbygrace.com/cowboy-casserole-recipe/