Name: Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 pound ground beef (85/15 lean); 1 cup corn kernels; 2/3 cup condensed cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided); 1/3 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup cooked beef, crumbled; 32 ounces frozen tater tots

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s big on flavor and effortless to prepare, this Cowboy Casserole absolutely delivers. Imagine velvety layers of savory ground beef, a creamy veggie-packed sauce, gooey melted cheddar, and a crown of impossibly crisp golden tater tots. It’s the kind of hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that wows at potlucks and saves the day on busy weeknights. The classic Cowboy Casserole checks every box: easy, filling, nostalgic, and a guaranteed family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about Cowboy Casserole is how simple the ingredients are – you probably already have most of them in your kitchen! Each component plays a key role, contributing flavor, texture, or that craveable golden color on top. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this casserole to life:

Ground beef: Go with 85/15 lean for just the right balance of flavor and moisture without excess grease.
Corn kernels: Add pops of sweetness and color; use fresh, frozen, or well-drained canned corn for convenience.
Condensed cream of mushroom soup: The shortcut secret to a creamy, rich base that pulls everything together beautifully.
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Use half in the sauce and half for a melty finish on top – sharper cheddar adds loads of flavor.
Whole milk: Helps loosen the sauce just enough so every bite is tender and luscious.
Sour cream: Just a touch makes the filling super creamy and slightly tangy.
Onion powder: The easiest way to bring savory undertones without chopping onions.
Black pepper: A little kick draws out the other flavors without making it spicy.
Cooked beef, crumbled: Adds hearty texture and bonus beefy flavor – cooked ahead or use store-bought beef bits for speed.
Frozen tater tots: The golden, crispy topping that everyone fights over – make sure they’re arranged in a single layer for max crunch.

How to Make Cowboy Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, the sweet spot for perfectly crisp tater tots. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it or line with parchment. This casserole goes straight from oven to table, so use your prettiest dish if you’d like!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, crumbling it as you go, until fully browned and no pink remains. This step builds that savory, meaty base for your Cowboy Casserole – drain off excess fat if there’s too much for your taste.

Step 3: Mix in Corn, Sauce & Seasonings

Add the corn, condensed cream of mushroom soup, half the cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, onion powder, black pepper, and crumbled beef to the skillet. Stir everything together until the mixture is cohesive and creamy. This is where the magic happens – be sure every bite gets coated!

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the beefy mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading evenly all the way to the corners. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top for melty goodness, then arrange tater tots in a single layer, covering the surface completely.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Crispy

Bake the casserole uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are deeply golden brown and crunchy on top. Remove the dish from the oven and shower the hot tater tots with any remaining cheese, then pop it back in for 5 more minutes to melt those last cheesy bits.

Step 6: Let It Rest, Then Serve

The hardest part – let your Cowboy Casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking! This helps everything set up, so when you slice, the cheesy, creamy filling stays right where you want it.

How to Serve Cowboy Casserole

Garnishes

This dish really springs to life with a few fresh touches. Scatter a handful of chopped fresh chives or parsley over the finished casserole for a pop of color and brightness. For a zesty kick, try a quick dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce on each piece.

Side Dishes

Cowboy Casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs famously with vibrant sides. A simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, garlicky roasted broccoli, or even sweet-and-sour pickles balance the rich, creamy casserole flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family dinner, serve straight from the baking dish with big spoons for scooping. If you’re entertaining, portion Cowboy Casserole into individual ramekins for a rustic touch, or top each square with a fried egg for an over-the-top brunch twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover leftover Cowboy Casserole tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container, then refrigerate. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, just waiting for a quick reheat at lunch or dinner.

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then double-wrap the dish with plastic wrap and foil or place portions in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze before baking (without tater tots), then top with tater tots and bake fresh.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers, covered, in a 350°F oven until piping hot, about 20–25 minutes. For extra crispiness, uncover for the last 5 minutes. You can also microwave single portions, though the tater tots will be softer.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative will work in Cowboy Casserole. Adjust the seasonings to keep the filling flavorful.

Do I have to use cream of mushroom soup?

Nope – cream of chicken or cream of celery soup are great swaps. You can even use a homemade white sauce if you’d like a from-scratch version.

Can I assemble Cowboy Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole (without the tater tots) and refrigerate it up to 24 hours ahead. Top with tater tots just before baking so they stay crisp.

What can I add to boost the flavor or nutrition?

Try stirring in sautéed bell peppers, peas, or black beans, or tossing a handful of sliced jalapeños on top for extra zing. Smoked paprika or hot sauce in the filling also adds a delicious twist.

How do I keep the tater tots crispy?

Arrange them in a single, even layer so they all get direct heat, and bake uncovered. A final broil for 1-2 minutes at the end gives extra crunch (just keep an eye on them!).

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Cowboy Casserole is an all-time favorite around my table – it’s a breeze to make, feeds a crowd, and brings big smiles every single time. If you haven’t tried it yet, give this recipe a spot in your dinner rotation and discover why families have loved this classic, crispy-topped casserole for generations!

Cowboy Casserole Recipe