Can I use a different type of cheese in this Cowboy Ground Beef Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is my favorite for its flavor and meltability, you can substitute with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a Mexican blend cheese—just choose one that melts well for the best texture.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Sure thing! To make a vegetarian version of the Cowboy Ground Beef Casserole Recipe, swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetarian mushroom soup or a homemade cream base to keep the flavors rich.

How do I keep the tater tots crispy on top?

The key is to layer the tater tots in a single, even layer without overlapping too much. Also, baking uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes helps them crisp up beautifully. If reheating leftovers, remove foil toward the end to revive the crunch.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and keep it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, bake it a few extra minutes since it will be cold going into the oven.

Cowboy Ground Beef Casserole – Easy Hearty Dinner Recipe

Description

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish combining seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, corn, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and golden tater tots baked to perfection. It's a one-pan meal perfect for family dinners, delivering layers of rich flavors and satisfying textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 10.75 ounce can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups frozen corn
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup cooked and chopped bacon
28 ounces frozen tater tots

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces, until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole from being greasy.
Prepare Creamy Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Then add the onion powder, salt, and black pepper and mix well.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked ground beef, frozen corn, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped bacon into the creamy mixture until everything is evenly mixed.
Assemble Casserole: Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Then layer the frozen tater tots evenly on top of the cheese layer.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the tater tots are browned and crispy.
Add Final Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the baked tater tots and return to the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Optional Garnish and Serve: For extra flavor and crunch, sprinkle with additional cooked bacon if desired before serving warm.

Notes

For a healthier option, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery for variation.
Use gluten-free cream soup to make the dish gluten free if needed.
Make sure to drain the beef well after cooking to avoid a greasy casserole.
You can prepare this casserole a day ahead and refrigerate; bake it longer by 10-15 minutes if baking from cold.
Frozen corn can be swapped for fresh or canned corn, drained, as preferred.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 27 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 27 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 20 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg