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Cowboy Casserole
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Cowboy Casserole

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, creamy cheese, and crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection. This easy and versatile casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Casserole, Comfort Food, Easy, Ground Beef, Tater Tots
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef 80-85% lean
  • 0.5 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 14 ounce diced tomatoes canned, with juices
  • 2 cups frozen corn thawed
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 32 ounce frozen tater tots
  • 2 tablespoons parsley finely chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even baking and crispy tater tots.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Stir in canned diced tomatoes with their juices and thawed corn. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  • Remove skillet from heat and stir in sour cream and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until creamy and combined.
  • Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
  • Layer frozen tater tots evenly over the cheese, covering the entire surface.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  • Remove casserole from oven and sprinkle finely chopped parsley on top. Let cool slightly before serving to allow the casserole to set.

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Oven

Notes

Use ground beef with 80-85% lean content for best flavor and moisture balance. Thaw corn before use to avoid excess water. For a creamier texture, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt. Add chili powder or smoked paprika for a spicy kick. Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking for easier slicing. Variations include vegetarian versions with lentils, extra veggies, different cheeses, or crunchy toppings like crushed tortilla chips.