There’s something undeniably heartwarming about a bubbling casserole coming out of the oven—the kind that fills your kitchen with savory aromas and gathers everyone around the table. My Easy Cowboy Casserole is one of those dependable, feel-good recipes that turns simple ingredients into a creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly cozy meal. With seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, and a blanket of golden tater tots, this dish is pure comfort baked in a pan. Trust me, this is one you’ll want to pin for your next weeknight dinner!
Why You’ll Love It
- ✨ Quick & easy: Ready in about an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
- 🧀 Creamy & cheesy: A luscious filling topped with melted cheddar and crispy tots.
- 🍽️ Family-friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will clean their plates.
- 🔥 Perfect for potlucks: Feeds a crowd and travels well.
- 🌽 Customizable: Add veggies, switch the soup base, or use ground turkey for a lighter twist.
- 💛 Freezer-friendly: Make ahead, freeze, and bake when ready for a no-stress dinner.
Time Needed
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
- ½ pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- ⅔ cup condensed cream of mushroom soup (or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup cooked, crumbled turkey bacon
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish for easy cleanup later.
- Cook the beef In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat for a cleaner, lighter casserole.
- Mix the filling Stir in the corn, condensed soup, ½ cup of cheese, milk, sour cream, onion powder, pepper, and turkey bacon. The mixture should be creamy, savory, and fragrant.
- Assemble the casserole Spread the beef mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Top with tater tots, arranging them neatly in rows for even crisping.
- Bake to golden perfection Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and the tater tots are crisp and golden brown. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and bake an additional 5 minutes until melted.
- Serve and enjoy Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Variations to Try
- Tex-Mex Style: Add black beans, diced green chiles, and taco seasoning for a zesty twist.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in peas, bell peppers, or chopped spinach for extra color and nutrition.
- Breakfast Cowboy Casserole: Swap the beef for breakfast sausage and add scrambled eggs for a morning crowd-pleaser.
- BBQ Version: Mix in a few tablespoons of BBQ sauce with the beef mixture for a smoky-sweet flavor.
Tips from Chef Emma
- Use shredded sharp cheddar for the best cheesy flavor.
- Don’t skip the sour cream—it adds creaminess and tang.
- Line up the tater tots evenly for a perfectly crispy top.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving—it thickens beautifully.
- To make ahead, assemble fully and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Nutrition Info per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 593
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Sugars: 3g
- Fat: 37g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 1168mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I make Cowboy Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready to serve. - Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Absolutely—it’s a great leaner option that still tastes deliciously hearty. - Q: How do I make this casserole extra crispy on top?
A: Bake uncovered and use a wire rack under your baking dish for better air circulation. - Q: Can I freeze Cowboy Casserole?
A: Yes, wrap tightly and freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cowboy Casserole is pure, cozy comfort in every bite—creamy, cheesy, and topped with that irresistible golden crunch. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone feel at home, whether it’s a busy Tuesday night or a family potluck. Save this recipe to your dinner board so you’ll have it ready for your next comfort craving!
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Easy, Cheesy Cowboy Casserole – Cozy, Family-Favorite Comfort Dinner
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Cowboy Casserole combines ground beef, creamy soup, corn, and cheese under a layer of crispy golden tater tots. A cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner ready in just 1 hour!
Ingredients
- ½ pound ground beef
- 1 cup corn
- ⅔ cup condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup cooked turkey bacon, crumbled
- 32 ounces tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch dish.
- Cook beef over medium heat until browned; drain.
- Stir in corn, soup, ½ cup cheese, milk, sour cream, onion powder, pepper, and turkey bacon.
- Spread mixture into dish and top with tater tots.
- Bake uncovered 40–45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Top with remaining cheese and bake 5 more minutes.
Notes
Make ahead up to 24 hours in advance or freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Great for weeknights or potlucks!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 593
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1168mg
- Fat: 37g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 20g
Keywords: cowboy casserole, tater tot casserole, easy dinner, family meal, cheesy casserole