Easy Cowboy Casserole (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Protein & Base
01 -
½ pound ground beef (85/15 lean)
02 -
½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
→ Creamy Mixture
03 -
1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained)
04 -
⅔ cup condensed cream of mushroom soup
05 -
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
06 -
⅓ cup whole milk
07 -
¼ cup sour cream
→ Seasonings & Topping
08 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
09 -
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
10 -
32 oz bag frozen tater tots
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 -
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no pink remains, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
03 -
Add the corn, cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup of the cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, onion powder, black pepper, and crumbled bacon to the skillet with the beef.
04 -
Stir all the ingredients in the skillet until well combined and the cheese starts to melt, creating a creamy, flavorful mixture.
05 -
Spread the beef mixture evenly in your prepared 9x13-inch baking dish, creating a smooth base layer.
06 -
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the beef mixture, then arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top, covering the entire surface.
07 -
Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
08 -
Remove from oven and sprinkle any remaining cheese on top, then bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
09 -
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set up. Serve hot for the best comfort food experience!
# Notes:
01 -
This freezes well for up to 3 months - assemble and freeze before baking, then bake from frozen adding 15-20 extra minutes
02 -
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
03 -
Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture
04 -
Leftovers reheat well in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes