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Easy Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Easy Cowboy Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 29 reviews

This Easy Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, crispy bacon, and cheesy tater tots in one savory bake. Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner, it’s loaded with flavors and textures that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1/2 pound ground beef (85/15)
  • 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled

Vegetables and Others

  • 1 cup corn

Dairy and Sauces

  • 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

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Other

  • 32 ounces tater tots

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
  2. Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks for even browning. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Mix Ingredients: Add the corn, condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk, sour cream, onion powder, black pepper, and crumbled bacon to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir well to combine all ingredients into a creamy mixture.
  4. Assemble Casserole: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom. Then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer. Finally, arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top, side by side, covering the casserole surface.
  5. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
  6. Add Final Cheese Layer: After the initial bake, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the tater tots, then return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious cowboy casserole warm!

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • For extra flavor, add diced onions or garlic when cooking ground beef.
  • If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
  • To make it gluten-free, ensure your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free or use a homemade version.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy casserole, tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/easy-cowboy-casserole-recipe/