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Square overhead shot of a pan of cowboy casserole.
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Cowboy Casserole

Cowboy casserole is the ultimate comfort food dinner. Creamy seasoned beef and corn are baked under a layer of golden tater tots and melted cheese. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword cornbread cowboy casserole, easy cowboy casserole recipe, family-friendly comfort food casserole, ground beef cowboy casserole, tater tot cowboy casserole
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 8 people
Calories 630kcal
Author Blair Lonergan

Equipment

  • 9 x 13-Inch Baking Dish

Ingredients

Beef Mixture

  • 2 lbs. ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup) (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained (or 1 ½ cups frozen corn, thawed)
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Topping

  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or use Colby Jack, pepper jack, or a blend)
  • 1 (32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots (I use about 20 ounces; enough for a full, even layer)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Brown the Beef

  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off excess grease.
    Cooking the beef for cowboy casserole filling.
  • Season the meat with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce (if using).
    Browning ground beef in a skillet.

Make the Creamy Filling

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk.
    Whisking together the creamy sauce.
  • Stir in the corn, ½ cup shredded cheddar, and the cooked beef mixture until fully combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
    Stirring together the creamy beef filling.

Assemble the Casserole

  • Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish.
    Creamy beef filling in the dish.
  • Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar evenly over the top.
    Cheese on top of the casserole.
  • Arrange the tater tots in a single layer across the surface.
    Cowboy casserole with tater tots on top before baking.

Bake

  • Bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the tater tots are crisp and deeply golden.
    Horizontal overhead shot of a baked cowboy casserole.
  • Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
    Horizontal side shot of a plate of cowboy casserole.

Video

Notes

  • Drain ground beef well to avoid a greasy casserole.
  • Drain corn thoroughly; excess liquid makes the filling watery.
  • Arrange tater tots in a single layer for even crisping.
  • Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Add ranch seasoning to the beef for extra flavor.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days; reheat in the oven for crispier tots.
  • Assemble up to 24 hours ahead; add 5-10 minutes to bake time.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/8 of the recipe | Calories: 630kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 117mg | Sodium: 1136mg | Potassium: 1186mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 705IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 289mg | Iron: 3mg