Looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd? This Cowboy Casserole is just what you need! Packed with ground beef, sweet corn, and crispy tater tots, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: chopped green onions and fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add 1 small diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking until the onion softens, about 3-4 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Prepare the Sauce: Stir in 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup milk, 1 can of drained corn, and 1 can of drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Mix well until combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly and top with 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Add More Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Tips:
Garnish: Enhance the flavors and presentation by garnishing with chopped green onions and fresh parsley before serving. This adds a burst of color and freshness.
Pairings: Cowboy Casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or even a side of cornbread for a complete meal.
Portion Control: For even servings, use a large spoon or spatula to portion out the casserole. This helps keep the layers intact and ensures each serving includes a good mix of beef, veggies, and tater tots.
Hot or Warm: Serve the casserole hot from the oven for the best texture and flavor. If you’re making it ahead of time, reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover Cowboy Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it’s cooled to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation inside the container.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Place it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, usually about 20-25 minutes. If reheating from frozen, allow additional time.
Portioning for Freezing: Consider portioning the casserole into individual servings before freezing. This makes it easier to reheat just what you need and helps the casserole reheat more evenly.
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FAQs:
Can I make Cowboy Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble Cowboy Casserole ahead of time. Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if the casserole is cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze Cowboy Casserole?
Absolutely! Cowboy Casserole freezes well. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until thoroughly heated.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cowboy Casserole?
Yes, you can make substitutions based on your preferences or dietary needs. For example, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and swap out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or a non-dairy alternative. You can also use different types of cheese or add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the dish.
How do I store leftover Cowboy Casserole?
Store leftover Cowboy Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before sealing the container to avoid condensation. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly. Reheat leftovers thoroughly in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion:
Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory ground beef, sweet corn, and crispy tater tots into one hearty dish. It’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. Enjoy this flavorful casserole hot from the oven for a satisfying meal everyone will love.
📖 Recipe:
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Cowboy Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Enjoy a hearty and flavorful Cowboy Casserole, a comforting dish packed with savory ground beef, sweet corn, and crispy tater tots. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd and is sure to become a family favorite. With its creamy base and melted cheddar cheese topping, it’s a delicious blend of textures and flavors that’s ideal for any meal.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: chopped green onions and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion softens, about 3-4 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, drained corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Mix until well combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly and top with 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
For added flavor, consider mixing in additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
If you prefer a spicier dish, use diced tomatoes with green chilies or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 420 kcal
