Description: A hearty, comforting, and family-friendly dish that combines the savory goodness of seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, vibrant vegetables, and a crispy tater tot topping. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of oil. This prevents the casserole from sticking and ensures easy serving.
Step 2: In a large skillet, place it over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, about 7-8 minutes. Ensure the beef is fully cooked through, with no pink remaining.
Step 3: Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Removing the extra grease keeps the casserole from being too heavy and greasy.
Step 4: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should just release its aroma.
Step 5: Stir in the drained corn and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Feel free to add other spices you enjoy, such as chili powder or cumin, for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 6: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream and cream of mushroom soup until smooth and well combined. This mixture creates a creamy base for the casserole.
Step 7: Pour the sour cream mixture into the skillet with the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir to combine thoroughly, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
Step 8: Spoon the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. This creates a uniform base for the tater tot topping.
Step 9: Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture. The cheese will melt and create a gooey, cheesy layer that complements the other flavors.
Step 10: Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer over the cheese. You can place them close together or slightly spaced apart, depending on how crispy you want them to be.
Step 11: Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the casserole should reach 165Β°F (74Β°C).
Step 12: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 13: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 14: If desired, garnish with chopped parsley before serving. The parsley adds a fresh, vibrant touch to the casserole.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Cowboy Casserole is a guaranteed winner for several reasons:
- Ease of Preparation: It’s a simple dump-and-bake recipe that requires minimal hands-on time. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Comfort Food Classic: The combination of ground beef, creamy sauce, vegetables, and crispy tater tots is pure comfort food.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by adding different vegetables, spices, or types of cheese.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this satisfying and flavorful casserole.
- Make-Ahead Potential: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later, making it ideal for meal prepping or entertaining.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Cowboy Casserole with a side salad for a complete meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great option.
- Pair it with steamed green beans or broccoli for a healthy vegetable side dish.
- Offer a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt on top for extra creaminess.
- Serve with a side of cornbread or biscuits for a comforting accompaniment.
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
- Add a can of drained black beans or pinto beans to the beef mixture for extra protein and fiber.
- If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.
- To prevent the tater tots from getting soggy, make sure to bake the casserole uncovered.
- For extra crunch, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 580 kcal per serving
- Protein: Approximately 30g per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 800mg per serving
Conclusion
The Cowboy Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. Its combination of savory flavors, creamy texture, and crispy topping makes it a true comfort food classic. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit! Experiment with different variations and make it your own.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking and follow the baking instructions.
- Can I use a different type of ground meat?
- Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef. You could even use a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
- Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
- Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like. Some good options include diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- What if I don’t have tater tots?
- If you don’t have tater tots, you can use frozen french fries or potato wedges instead.
- Can I freeze the leftovers?
- Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
