Description: A hearty and comforting casserole featuring ground beef, creamy sauce, vegetables, cheese, and tater tots. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (cowboy classic!)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (such as Rotel), undrained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make serving easier.
Step 2: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. Removing the excess grease ensures the casserole isn’t too oily or heavy.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, drained corn, and diced tomatoes and green chiles. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture. This layer of cheese will melt into the sauce and add a delicious cheesy flavor to the casserole.
Step 5: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. Ensure the entire surface is covered with tater tots. This forms a crispy and golden-brown topping.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the casserole is heated through and bubbly.
Step 7: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Step 8: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. The resting period allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots is irresistible. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it requires minimal prep time and uses ingredients that you likely already have on hand. It’s also a great way to use up leftover vegetables or customize the recipe to your family’s preferences. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or bringing a dish to a potluck, Cowboy Casserole is sure to be a hit. The hearty and satisfying nature of this dish makes it a go-to choice for those seeking a delicious and effortless meal.
COOKING Rating: 5/5 Stars
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main course.
- Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top for extra flavor.
- Serve with cornbread or biscuits for a Southern-inspired feast.
- Offer a variety of hot sauces for those who like a little extra kick.
Tips:
- For a spicier casserole, use hot ground sausage instead of ground beef or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or black beans, to the beef mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
- Use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a unique flavor profile.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- For a crispy topping, broil the casserole for the last few minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- If you don’t have tater tots, you can substitute them with cubed potatoes or sweet potato fries.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ground beef is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion:
Cowboy Casserole is a classic comfort food recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with flavor. The combination of ground beef, creamy sauce, vegetables, cheese, and tater tots is a winning combination that appeals to all ages. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, Cowboy Casserole is the perfect choice. Its versatility allows you to adapt the recipe to your liking, making it a dish that you can enjoy time and time again. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to enjoy a hearty and delicious meal that will transport you to the Wild West!
Questions and Answers about Cowboy Casserole:
Q1: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground beef alternative or use a combination of beans, such as black beans and kidney beans. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to add more substance to the casserole.
Q2: Can I freeze Cowboy Casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze Cowboy Casserole, but the texture of the tater tots may change slightly. To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Q3: Can I use different types of soup?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of condensed cream soups. Cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even cream of cheddar soup would all work well in this recipe. Each soup will add a slightly different flavor profile to the casserole.
Q4: How can I make this casserole healthier?
A: There are several ways to make Cowboy Casserole healthier. Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, reduce the amount of cheese, and add more vegetables. You can also use light sour cream or Greek yogurt instead of regular sour cream to reduce the fat content. Using sweet potato tater tots instead of regular tater tots can also add more nutrients and fiber.
Q5: Can I add a topping other than cheese?
A: Absolutely! You can get creative with the topping. Crushed corn chips, breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, or even a sprinkle of crumbled bacon would all be delicious alternatives to cheese. Consider what flavors you enjoy and experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination.
