Easy Cowboy Casserole

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December 24, 2025

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Low Carb Creamy Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom Bake

In questo articolo, esploreremo una ricetta deliziosa e facile da preparare. Low Carb Creamy Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom Bake: A Deliciously Easy Meal for Any

A delicious plate of Low Carb Creamy Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom Bake

In questo articolo, esploreremo una ricetta deliziosa e facile da preparare.

Easy Cowboy Casserole: A Hearty and Satisfying Meal for the Family

If you’re in search of a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both delicious and easy to prepare, look no further than this Easy Cowboy Casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this casserole combines some of the best hearty ingredients to deliver a satisfying meal that everyone will love. With a combination of savory ground beef, crispy tater tots, and gooey cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: This casserole uses common pantry staples and freezer-friendly ingredients, making it convenient for last-minute meal planning.
  • Kid-Friendly: With cheesy goodness and fun, crispy tater tots, it’s a hit with the kids.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required, as everything comes together in one dish.
  • Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to add or swap ingredients based on your family’s preferences.

Ingredients Breakdown

  • Ground Beef: The heart of the casserole, providing a rich and savory base. We recommend using 85/15 lean beef for the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
  • Corn Kernels: Adds a touch of sweetness and texture contrast.
  • Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a creamy, flavorful sauce that binds the casserole together.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melty, sharp cheddar gives this dish its irresistible cheesy topping.
  • Whole Milk & Sour Cream: These ingredients work together to enhance the creaminess and richness of the casserole.
  • Onion Powder & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that add depth and a hint of spice.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Offer a subtle acidity and freshness.
  • Frozen Tater Tots: The crispy top layer that makes this casserole so unique and delicious.
  • Fresh Parsley: A fresh garnish that provides a pop of color and a hint of herbal flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Get Ready: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and makes for easy cleanup.

  2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

  3. Mix It Up: Add the corn, drained tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, half the cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, onion powder, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly distributed.

  4. Build the Casserole: Pour the beef mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth it out for even cooking. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the top, ensuring every bite has cheesy goodness.

  5. Add the Tots: Arrange the tater tots in a single, even layer over the cheese. This ensures they bake up crispy and golden.

  6. Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy. This step is crucial for achieving that signature crispy texture.

  7. Extra Cheese (Optional): For cheese lovers, sprinkle on a little more cheddar and pop it back in the oven for 5 minutes until melted. This adds an extra layer of cheesy delight.

  8. Finish & Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving for a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can complement it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition. Leftovers, if there are any, reheat wonderfully for a quick lunch the next day.

Conclusion

This Easy Cowboy Casserole is a testament to comfort food at its finest—simple, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family of six or looking for a dish that yields delicious leftovers, this casserole is a perfect choice. Enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors, and watch it become a beloved staple in your home.

Easy Cowboy CasseroleEasy Cowboy Casserole

A delicious plate of Easy Cowboy Casserole

Easy Cowboy Casserole

This hearty cowboy casserole is perfect for a family dinner, combining ground beef, tater tots, and cheese for a comforting meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Additional Cheese Melting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 680 g Ground Beef (85/15 lean)
  • 240 ml Corn Kernels
  • 160 ml Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • 240 ml Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, divided
  • 80 ml Whole Milk
  • 60 ml Sour Cream
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
  • 284 g Diced Tomatoes, drained
  • 907 g Frozen Tater Tots
  • 1 tbsp Chopped Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch casserole dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
  3. Add the corn, drained tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, half the cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, onion powder, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
  4. Pour the beef mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth it out. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the top.
  5. Arrange the tater tots in a single, even layer over the cheese.
  6. Place the casserole uncovered in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
  7. If you like it extra cheesy, sprinkle on a little more cheddar and pop it back in the oven for 5 minutes until melted.
  8. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving for a fresh pop of color.

Notes

This casserole is a great make-ahead dish. Prepare the night before and bake just before serving for a quick meal.

A delicious plate of Easy Cowboy Casserole

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CREATED BY POLLY

Polly is the creator of Adrian Recipes, where she shares easy, family-friendly recipes designed for busy home cooks.

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