Description
Hearty cowboy casserole combines ground beef, potatoes, and cheese in a comforting midwestern dish. Ranch seasoning and crispy tater tots elevate this crowd-pleasing meal you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) corn, drained
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauces and Base:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 package (32 ounces / 907 grams) frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking temperature.
- Select a large skillet and warm olive oil over medium heat, then introduce ground beef and diced onion. Sauté until meat achieves a rich brown color and onions turn translucent, approximately 7-8 minutes. Eliminate excess grease through careful draining.
- Incorporate cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, corn, and seasonings into the meat mixture. Allow ingredients to meld together through gentle simmering for 3-4 minutes, ensuring harmonious flavor integration.
- Coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray, then transfer the seasoned meat mixture, creating an even base layer. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface.
- Meticulously arrange frozen tater tots in a uniform grid pattern, covering the entire cheese layer to create a crispy, golden topping.
- Position the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until tater tots transform into a crunchy, golden-brown crust.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, enabling flavors to settle and making serving easier.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein option that keeps the casserole hearty and satisfying.
- Use low-fat dairy alternatives like Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce calories without compromising creamy texture.
- Consider adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra nutrition and a flavor kick that transforms the classic comfort dish.
- Prevent soggy tater tots by patting them dry before arranging and ensuring your oven is fully preheated for maximum crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 710 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg