Dinner

Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Bymia larkspur November 30, 2025November 30, 2025

Introduction

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

A close-up of a white plate with a layered tater tot casserole. The bottom layer is ground beef mixed with cheese and bright yellow corn kernels scattered throughout. On top of this is a thick layer of golden brown tater tots arranged side by side, with melted orange cheese spreading between and underneath them. The dish is drizzled with red ketchup-like sauce over the tater tots, adding a glossy finish. The texture shows crispy edges on the tater tots with soft, melty cheese and crumbly beef beneath. The plate sits on a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 pound ground beef (85/15)
1 cup corn
2/3 cup condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
1/3 cup whole milk
1/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
32 ounces tater tots

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Add the corn, condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk, sour cream, onion powder, black pepper, and cooked bacon to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Step 5: Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese and beef mixture.
Step 6: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tater tots and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add diced onions or bell peppers to the beef while cooking.
You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup for a slightly different taste.
Use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a lighter version.
If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños.

Storage

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.

How to Serve

A white rectangular baking dish is filled with one layer of golden brown tater tots arranged neatly in rows, each tot showing a crispy, slightly rough texture. On top of the tater tots is a thick layer of melted bright orange cheddar cheese, covering the center area more heavily while still allowing some tots to peek through along the edges. Thin streaks of red sauce are drizzled evenly over the cheese, adding a glossy contrast. Small bits of chopped green herbs are sprinkled on the surface, adding tiny pops of color across the dish. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Cowboy Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day before baking. Keep it covered and refrigerated, then bake as directed when ready to serve.

Can I freeze the casserole?

Freezing is possible but not ideal due to the texture of the tater tots. If you do freeze it, store in an airtight container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

mia larkspur