Description
Hearty cowboy casserole delivers comfort with ground beef, potatoes, and cheese in one satisfying dish. Midwestern home cooks will appreciate this classic skillet-to-oven meal that promises warmth and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots)
Seasonings and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Additional Layer:
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray at 375F (190C).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, thoroughly cook ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic until meat is completely browned and no pink remains.
- Carefully drain excess grease from the meat mixture, ensuring no oil remains in the pan.
- Add cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and mixed vegetables to the beef, stirring until all ingredients are evenly combined and well-seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Spread the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer across the bottom.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire beef mixture, covering it completely.
- Systematically arrange frozen tater tots in a uniform pattern across the cheese layer, ensuring full coverage of the casserole.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for golden-brown tater tots and bubbling edges.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optional: Dust with paprika or add extra cheese on top for enhanced presentation.
Notes
- Make the dish leaner by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter protein option.
- Swap cream of mushroom soup with a homemade cream sauce to reduce sodium and processed ingredients.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tater tots and check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Boost veggie content by adding extra frozen mixed vegetables or fresh chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to increase nutritional value.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg