Description
Hearty cowboy casserole delivers comfort and nostalgia on a single plate, blending rustic ranch flavors with satisfying ground beef and potato goodness. Hungry diners will savor each cheesy, robust bite of this classic American countryside classic.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Sauces:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bag (32 ounces / 907 grams) frozen tater tots
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, ensuring an even cooking environment for the casserole.
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet, sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until meat is thoroughly cooked and vegetables are translucent.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture to reduce greasiness and improve overall dish texture.
- Incorporate cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and seasonings, stirring until ingredients are fully integrated and create a smooth, cohesive sauce.
- Fold in green beans or corn to enhance nutritional value and add a layer of vegetable complexity to the casserole.
- Transfer the seasoned beef mixture into a well-greased baking dish, creating an even base layer for the casserole.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the beef mixture, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor and melting potential.
- Strategically arrange frozen tater tots in a uniform single layer across the top of the cheese-covered mixture.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for golden-brown tater tots and bubbling edges.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving hot, letting flavors meld and casserole settle.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version that suits health-conscious diets.
- Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños to boost vegetable content and introduce extra flavor complexity to the casserole.
- Sprinkle crispy bacon bits or green onions on top after baking for an additional layer of texture and taste enhancement.
- Make this dish gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of cream of mushroom soup and checking that all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg