Description
Cowboy Casserole combines creamy ground beef, sweet corn, smoky bacon, cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots in an easy family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 pound ground beef, 85/15
- 1 cup corn, drained if canned
- 2/3 cup condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
- Cooking spray, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish if desired.
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles, until no pink remains.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the corn, cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, onion powder, black pepper, and bacon.
- Stir until the filling is evenly combined and the cheese begins to melt.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup cheddar cheese over the beef filling.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a close, single layer across the top.
- Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, until the filling bubbles and the tater tots become golden and crisp.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese over the casserole.
- Bake for another 5 minutes, until the cheese melts.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Keep the tater tots frozen until you arrange them so they hold their shape and become crisp.
- Drain canned corn and excess beef grease to prevent a watery filling.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 593
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 1168
- Fat: 37
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 21
- Trans Fat: 0.4
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 20
- Cholesterol: 66