Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Want a heartier, more flavorful meal? Try this Cowboy Casserole Recipe and learn how to make it extra savory. Discover the perfect twist today!
Ingredients
Ground Beef (1 lb): The base of your casserole. You can also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
Frozen Tater Tots (1 bag, about 32 oz): These make the perfect crispy topping, but you can also opt for mashed potatoes or cornbread if you prefer.
Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded): The gooey, melty goodness that makes this casserole irresistible.
Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This adds creaminess to your casserole. If you’re looking for a healthier version, you can use low-fat or gluten-free soup options.
Frozen Corn (1 cup): A sweet, crunchy contrast to the richness of the beef and cheese.
Onion (1 small, chopped): This adds a savory depth of flavor.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp): For a mild, aromatic flavor that complements the beef.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): For seasoning. Adjust the amounts based on your preference.
Sour Cream (1 cup): A creamy, tangy addition that blends beautifully with the other ingredients.
Optional Add-ins:
- Bell Peppers 1, chopped: Add a bit of color and sweetness to the casserole.
- Jalapeños 2, sliced: If you like a little spice, these are a great addition!
- Crispy Bacon optional: For extra crunch and smoky flavor.
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot by the time your casserole is ready to bake.
Cook the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook 1 lb of ground beef (or turkey, if you prefer) until browned. Make sure to break the meat into smaller chunks as it cooks. This will create those delicious savory bites in every forkful!
Season the beef: Once the beef is browned, stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning or use your own homemade seasoning mix. This will infuse the meat with bold, zesty flavor. Add 1/2 cup of diced onion for a little extra sweetness and depth. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Layer the casserole: Now it’s time to layer your casserole! Start with a base layer of 1 bag of frozen tater tots spread evenly across the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. This creates that crispy foundation. Next, spread the seasoned ground beef mixture over the tater tots.
Add the cheese: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella) over the beef. This melty cheese will make every bite irresistible. For an extra cheesy touch, you can even add cream cheese to the beef mixture for an extra creamy bite.
Bake the casserole: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish and serve: Once the casserole is done, let it cool for a few minutes. Top with your favorite garnishes like sour cream, chopped green onions, or even a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg