This cowboy casserole is a hearty, comforting one‑pan dish featuring seasoned ground beef (or turkey), vegetables, creamy sauce, and a crispy topping (often tater tots or cornbread). It’s easy to throw together and great for feeding a crowd with minimal cleanup.

Cowboy Casserole (One‑Pan Recipe)

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, flexible, and always satisfying. I can use pantry staples, switch up the meat or toppings, and still end up with a crowd‑pleasing meal. The crispy top with savory filling underneath gives texture contrast that makes every bite interesting.

Ingredients

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

1 lb (about 450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 (10 oz) can corn, drained
1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
¼ cup sour cream
1½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (or cheddar)
30 oz (approximately) frozen tater tots or crispy crowns

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 °F (about 200 °C).
In an oven‑safe skillet (or a deep pan you can later transfer), brown the ground beef together with the chopped onion over medium‑high heat. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and dried parsley.
Once meat is cooked through, drain any excess fat.
Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, drained corn, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and about 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Mix until well combined and spread into an even layer.
Sprinkle a bit more cheese on top, then arrange the frozen tater tots (or crispy crowns) over the surface in a single layer.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the filling underneath is bubbling.
Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving so it sets slightly.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 6 servings.

Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook / bake time: ~25–30 minutes
Total time: around 35–40 minutes

Variations

Cornbread topping: Instead of tater tots, spread a cornbread batter (e.g. boxed mix + egg + creamed corn) on top and bake until set.
Lean version: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Vegetable boost: Add diced bell peppers, black beans, or jalapeños into the filling.
Spicy twist: Increase paprika, add chili powder or cayenne, or include chopped jalapeños.
Different creamy soup: Swap cream of mushroom with cream of chicken or cream of celery.
Cheese swap: Use sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix of cheeses.

Storage / reheating

To store: Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4–5 days.
To reheat: I reheat portions in the microwave until hot. Or I cover the leftover in foil and bake at 170–180 °C (340–350 °F) for 15–20 minutes, until warmed through.
Freezing: You can freeze baked portions (in airtight containers) or freeze the assembled dish before baking. Thaw overnight before reheating or baking.

FAQs

What can I use instead of tater tots for the topping?

You can use a cornbread batter, hash browns, or even thinly sliced potatoes or biscuits. The idea is to have a crispy or baked topper.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes — you can assemble the casserole (without baking) and store it in the fridge for up to 24–48 hours. Just add extra baking time since it’s colder when going into the oven.

Is it okay to use lean ground meat?

Absolutely. Just be mindful that lean meat produces less fat, so the filling may be a little drier. You could add a splash of broth or extra sour cream to compensate.

How do I prevent the tater tots from getting soggy?

Make sure your filling isn’t too watery. Also, preheating the oven properly and baking long enough helps them crisp. Using “crispy crowns” instead of standard tots can also help with crispiness.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes — you can double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or skillet (or two pans). Adjust baking times slightly as needed for the increased volume.

Conclusion

I adore this cowboy casserole for its ease, flexibility, and flavor. It’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want a satisfying, no-fuss meal that still feels comforting and fun. Whether topped with tater tots or cornbread, loaded with extra veggies or made lean, it always delivers. Let me know if you want a printable recipe card or a variation tailored to your tastes!