Cheesy Cowboy Casserole Comfort Food (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Components

01 - 450 g Ground Beef
02 - 1 Medium Onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves Garlic, minced
04 - 300 g Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup
05 - 120 ml Sour Cream
06 - 120 ml Milk
07 - 425 g Canned Corn, drained
08 - 225 g Shredded Cheddar Cheese (divided)
09 - 900 g Frozen Tater Tots

→ Seasonings and Fats

10 - 30 ml Olive Oil or Unsalted Butter
11 - 2.5 ml Smoked Paprika
12 - 2.5 ml Ground Black Pepper
13 - 2.5 ml Salt

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
02 - Heat 30 ml of olive oil or unsalted butter in a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, then sauté until softened, approximately 3-5 minutes.
03 - Stir in the 450 g of ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
04 - Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the 300 g can of cream of mushroom soup, 120 ml of sour cream, 120 ml of milk, 2.5 ml of smoked paprika, 2.5 ml of salt, and 2.5 ml of ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
05 - Add the 425 g of drained canned corn to the beef mixture, followed by 110 g (approximately 1 cup) of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything gently to ensure even distribution.
06 - Spread the prepared beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the skillet or casserole dish, forming a uniform layer.
07 - Evenly sprinkle another 55 g (approximately 1/2 cup) of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
08 - Carefully arrange the 900 g of frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese and beef mixture.
09 - Transfer the skillet or casserole dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and visibly crispy.
10 - Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 60 g (approximately 1/2 cup) of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
11 - Allow the Cheesy Cowboy Casserole to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy hot, perhaps alongside a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables.

# Notes:

01 - For best results, use frozen tater tots directly from the freezer; thawing is not required.
02 - Enhance flavor by adding crumbled cooked bacon or sliced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
03 - Introduce a spicy kick by incorporating chili powder or a dash of hot sauce into the beef base.
04 - Vary the cheese profile by substituting cheddar with pepper jack or mozzarella.
05 - To prepare as a freezer meal, assemble the casserole as directed, then cover tightly and freeze. Bake from frozen, allowing extra cooking time.
06 - For a Tex-Mex twist, include black beans, taco seasoning, and a dollop of salsa.
07 - Transform this into a breakfast casserole by swapping ground beef for breakfast sausage and adding scrambled eggs.
08 - Create a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and doubling the quantity of vegetables.
09 - Ingredient substitutions: Ground turkey can be used instead of ground beef. Cream of chicken soup can replace cream of mushroom soup. Mixed vegetables can be used in place of corn.

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