Name: Cowboy Casserole: Savory Tater Tot and Ground Beef Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 package (32 ounces) frozen tater tots; 1/2 cup chopped onion; Salt and pepper to taste

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Cowboy Casserole is one of those warm, comforting dishes I always turn to when life gets busy. With crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, a creamy sauce, and melted cheese, this casserole hits every craving in one go. It’s quick to prepare, easy to bake, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or freezing for later. I love how this dish brings comfort without a complicated process.

Cowboy Casserole: Savory Tater Tot and Ground Beef Delight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love that Cowboy Casserole is a weeknight lifesaver. It takes just 15 minutes to prep and only 30 minutes in the oven. That means dinner’s on the table in under an hour, without leaving a pile of dishes behind.

The flavors? They’re exactly what I want after a long day—creamy, cheesy, savory, and crispy all at once. I can make it ahead, toss in some veggies, or spice it up with jalapeños. It’s one of those flexible meals that never disappoints and always satisfies.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ground beef
1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 package (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
1/2 cup chopped onion
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) while I chop the onion and gather everything I need.
In a large skillet, I cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion turns soft—usually 5 to 7 minutes. Then, I drain the excess fat.
I stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, seasoning it all with salt and pepper. Once the mixture is creamy and well blended, I spread it evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
I sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer, then arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer right on top.
I bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy. After pulling it out, I let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 6 people and takes about 45 minutes total—15 minutes for prep and 30 minutes to bake. Each serving is around 450 calories, making it a hearty main dish that’s satisfying and filling.

Variations

When I feel like mixing things up, I love adding a cup of corn or green beans into the beef mixture. It gives a bit more texture and adds some veggies to the plate.

If I want a lighter version, I swap ground beef for ground turkey. For more kick, I chop up jalapeños and stir them in before baking. This dish is super forgiving—almost any twist I’ve tried has worked beautifully.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop individual portions in the microwave for about 2 minutes, or I reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through (usually 15–20 minutes).

If I want to freeze it, I assemble the casserole without baking, cover it tightly, and freeze it for up to 3 months. When I’m ready, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

FAQs

How far in advance can I make Cowboy Casserole?

I often prepare it a day ahead, keep it in the fridge covered, and bake it just before dinner. It saves time and still tastes just as fresh.

Can I freeze it after baking?

Yes, I can. I let it cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, I use the oven or microwave until it’s hot and bubbly.

What’s a good substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

If I’m not in the mood for mushrooms, I use cream of chicken soup or make a quick homemade white sauce with butter, flour, and milk.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Sure! I’ve replaced the beef with a plant-based ground meat substitute and used cream of celery soup for a vegetarian version that’s just as hearty.

How do I make the tater tots extra crispy?

For extra crunch, I broil the casserole for the last 2 minutes. I keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn, and the result is golden perfection.

Conclusion

Cowboy Casserole is the kind of meal I keep coming back to. It’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly adaptable. Whether I need to feed my family on a busy night or bring a dish to a potluck, this casserole always delivers. I love how it warms the kitchen—and the soul—with every bite.