Description

This cowboy casserole recipe is the ultimate comfort food—loaded with seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, cheese, and crispy tater tots. It’s an easy, hearty, and satisfying one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. The layers of savory beef, melted cheese, and crunchy tater tots make every bite irresistible!

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

Meat & Base

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
½ cup sour cream

Vegetables & Seasonings

1 cup frozen corn
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Cheese & Topping

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Instructions

Preheat the Oven – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Beef & Onions – In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onions over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Prepare the Creamy Mixture – Stir in the garlic, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, corn, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well to create a thick, flavorful base.
Assemble the Casserole – Spread the beef mixture evenly in the greased baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the beef.
Add the Tater Tot Topping – Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. This will create a crispy topping.
Bake to Perfection – Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Add the Final Cheese Layer – Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve & Enjoy – Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

Make-Ahead Option – Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Storage – Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Spicy Version – Add diced jalapeños or green chilies for extra heat.
Healthier Option – Use ground turkey, low-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.
Extra Crunchy Tots – Broil for 3-5 minutes at the end for a crispy golden topping.

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 40
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 450 kcal

Keywords: cowboy casserole, tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy bake, family dinner, comfort food, one-pan meal, easy casserole recipe, weeknight dinner