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Cowboy Casserole Recipe – Easy Cheesy Beef Tater Tot Bake for Families

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This Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting tater tot bake loaded with savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and golden tater tots. It’s a family-friendly dinner that’s quick to assemble and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup frozen corn (or canned, drained)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack recommended), divided
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste (start with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper)
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • Chopped green onions or chives, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until beef is browned and onions are soft, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease, leaving a little for flavor.
  3. Stir in minced garlic (or garlic powder) and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, frozen corn, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add the cooked beef mixture to the bowl with the creamy filling. Stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheese.
  6. Spread the beef and creamy mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
  7. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the filling.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese evenly over the tater tots.
  9. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and the filling is bubbling.
  10. If desired, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra crispy tots (watch closely).
  11. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or chives if desired.

Notes

Do not thaw tater tots before baking for the crispiest top. Grate your own cheese for best melt and flavor. Let the casserole rest before serving for clean slices. Easily adaptable for gluten-free or vegetarian diets by swapping soup and protein. Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy casserole, tater tot casserole, cheesy beef casserole, family dinner, comfort food, easy casserole, ground beef recipe, potluck, freezer meal

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/cowboy-casserole-recipe-easy-cheesy-beef-tater-tot-bake-for-families/