This Cowboy Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. It layers seasoned ground beef with a creamy, savory sauce and sweet corn, then tops it all with melted cheddar and golden, crispy tater tots.
Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 (10.5 oz) can |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
| Frozen corn | 1 cup |
| Smoked paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Shredded cheddar cheese, divided | 1 1/2 cups |
| Frozen tater tots | 1 (32 oz) bag |
| Chopped fresh parsley (optional) | 2 tablespoons |
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Step 4: Mix in the Creamy Ingredients
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, frozen corn, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook just until everything is well combined and heated through, then remove from heat.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar over the top, then arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
Step 7: Add Remaining Cheese
Remove the casserole briefly from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar over the top. Return to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
