Pin it
This Cheesy Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate one pan comfort food, a hearty and satisfying meal guaranteed to get the whole family to the dinner table on busy weeknights. It’s packed with savory ground beef, a creamy vegetable studded sauce, and topped with a glorious crown of crispy tater tots and melted cheese.
I first threw this together on a hectic Tuesday when I had no real plan for dinner, and it was an instant hit. Now, it's the most requested meal in my house, and the one I turn to when I need a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Ingredients
- One pound ground beef: an 80/20 blend provides the best flavor but ground turkey works well too
- One medium onion: finely chopped this builds the aromatic foundation of the dish
- Two cloves garlic: minced because every good casserole needs a little garlic
- One can cream of mushroom soup: this is the shortcut to a rich and creamy sauce
- One half cup sour cream: adds a wonderful tang and creaminess to the base
- One half cup milk: helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency
- One can sweet corn: drained adds a pop of sweetness and texture
- One half teaspoon smoked paprika: don't skip this it adds a subtle smoky depth that is so delicious
- Two cups shredded cheddar cheese: for the best melt I recommend shredding a block yourself
- One bag frozen tater tots: about 32 ounces these create the crispy satisfying topping
- Two tablespoons olive oil: for sautéing the aromatics
Step by Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Skillet:
- First things first, get your oven preheating to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. You want it nice and hot when the casserole is ready to go in. Heat your olive oil or butter in a large oven safe skillet over medium heat. A 10 or 12 inch cast iron skillet is perfect for this.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Beef:
- Add the finely chopped onion to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it has softened and become translucent, which usually takes about five minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until you can smell it. Be careful not to let it burn. Now, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up and cook until it's completely browned. Once cooked, carefully drain off any excess grease from the pan.
- Create the Creamy Base:
- Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir everything together until it forms a smooth, cohesive sauce. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. This is where all the flavor comes together.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Gently fold in the drained corn and one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese starts to get a little melty and everything is well combined. Spread this beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the skillet.
- Top and Bake:
- Now for the best part. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the top of the beef mixture. I like to line them up in neat rows for maximum crispiness. Place the skillet in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You're looking for the tater tots to be beautifully golden brown and crispy.
- The Final Cheesy Touch:
- Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining one cup of cheddar cheese all over the hot tater tots. Return the casserole to the oven for about five more minutes, just long enough for that final layer of cheese to become perfectly melted and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, as it will be incredibly hot.
Pin it
My favorite part of this recipe has to be the tater tot topping. There’s something so comforting about that crispy potato crust giving way to the creamy, savory filling underneath. My kids always argue over who gets the crispiest corner pieces fresh out of the oven, a small dinner table tradition I've come to cherish.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, they store wonderfully. Simply let the casserole cool completely, then cover the skillet tightly with foil or transfer the contents to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, I highly recommend using the oven to bring back the crispiness of the tater tots. Place the leftovers in an oven safe dish and bake at 350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is a fantastic canvas for creativity. You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or even breakfast sausage for a breakfast twist. Feel free to use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if that’s what you have. For a Tex-Mex flair, add a can of drained black beans, a packet of taco seasoning, and serve with a dollop of salsa. Don't be afraid to mix in other vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans.
Serving Suggestions
While this Cowboy Casserole is a hearty meal all on its own, a simple side dish can round it out perfectly. I love serving it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli also make excellent, simple companions that don't compete with the main dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use something other than ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or even ground chicken works great in this casserole. You could also use a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian option.
- → What's the best way to prevent soggy tater tots?
Use frozen tater tots directly from the freezer—do not thaw them. Arrange them in a single layer on top of the beef mixture and bake until golden brown and crispy.
- → Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- → What cheese works best for this casserole?
Cheddar cheese is classic, but you can use any cheese that melts well, such as a cheddar blend, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice.
- → Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding approximately 20-30 minutes to the baking time.
- → Can I add vegetables to the Cowboy Casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables to the beef mixture. Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans would all be great additions.