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Cowboy Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Cowboy Casserole
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If you’re searching for a family-friendly meal that’s equal parts hearty and delicious, look no further than Cowboy Casserole. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, combining savory beef, creamy sauce, sweet corn, and crispy tater tots in a single, satisfying bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, Cowboy Casserole delivers comfort in every mouthful. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and freezer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 package (32 ounces) frozen tater tots

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
  2. Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes). Remove the skillet from the heat.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add the beef mixture, corn, and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl with the sauce. Mix until well combined.
  5. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
  6. Bake: Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired.

Notes

  • Make It Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
  • Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative or cooked lentils.
  • Different Veggies: Use peas, carrots, or green beans instead of corn for variety.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Choose a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and confirm that your tater tots are gluten-free.
  • Cheese Lovers: Mix in some mozzarella or pepper jack for extra cheesiness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipes.gernarb.com/cowboy-casserole-the-ultimate-comfort-food-recipe/