Name: Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 package (32 ounces) frozen tater tots; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate blend of savory comfort and pure fun—think creamy beef, gooey cheese, tender onions, and a crown of irresistibly crispy tater tots, all baked together in one glorious pan. This recipe is pure heartland heaven, with a nostalgia factor that makes every bite feel like a big, hearty hug. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or cozying up at home, Cowboy Casserole delivers on simplicity, flavor, and sheer delight. After one forkful, you’ll see why this dish has earned its legendary status in my kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Cowboy Casserole plays an essential role, coming together for that signature creamy, cheesy, crispy magic. Most are kitchen staples, making this dish the perfect weeknight fixer-upper when time’s short and appetites are big!

1 pound ground beef: The hearty, savory base that makes this casserole wonderfully filling.
1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup: Adds creaminess and rich depth that ties the flavors together.
1 cup sour cream: Lends a tangy smoothness and keeps the casserole extra moist—it’s the secret to an irresistible sauce.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Gives that beloved melty, cheesy finish and a wonderful punch of color.
1 package (32 ounces) frozen tater tots: The crowning jewel—crispy on top, fluffy inside, and pure comfort in every bite.
1/2 cup chopped onion: Adds sweetness and an aromatic note that balances out the rich sauce.
Salt and pepper to taste: A little seasoning goes a long way to pull together all the flavors.

How to Make Cowboy Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you are. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook this mixture, stirring regularly, until the beef is browned and the onion turns tender and translucent. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat—nobody wants a greasy casserole!

Step 2: Mix in the Creamy Elements

Once your beef and onions are cooked and drained, stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Mix everything together until you get a beautifully creamy, homogeneous filling. Season with salt and pepper to your liking here—it’s that little personal touch that makes your Cowboy Casserole truly yours.

Step 3: Layer in the Baking Dish

Grab your trusty 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the beef mixture into an even layer on the bottom. A gentle press with the back of your spoon ensures every inch will soak up all that delicious flavor—and gives the tater tots a level stage to shine.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture. This cheesy blanket melts into the casserole as it bakes, lending that golden, gooey stretch we all crave in comfort food.

Step 5: Top with Tater Tots

Take your frozen tater tots and arrange them in a neat single layer over the cheese. Lining them up is oddly satisfying—and ensures each serving gets plenty of crispy goodness. There’s no need to thaw the tots; just pop them on straight from the freezer.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your baking dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are gloriously golden and crisp. The aroma at this stage is almost too much to handle—rich, cheesy, and oh-so-inviting. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set for the perfect slice.

How to Serve Cowboy Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions right before serving adds a pop of color and a fresh bite, balancing the richness. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, try a dash of smoked paprika or a drizzle of hot sauce for a bold finish!

Side Dishes

Cowboy Casserole is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad, steamed green beans, or buttery corn on the cob. Light, simple sides help round out the comforting, hearty flavors without weighing things down.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve up individual portions in mini cast-iron pans for a rustic, crowd-pleasing look at parties or potlucks. Or, for a fun weeknight dinner twist, pile Cowboy Casserole into baked potato skins or bell pepper halves—kids and adults alike will devour every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cowboy Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the baking dish tightly (or transfer to an airtight container), and store for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers a real treat for lunch or a quick dinner.

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely. Then, wrap it well in foil and plastic wrap, or portion into freezer-safe containers. Cowboy Casserole will happily hang out in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Reheating is a breeze—just pop covered portions in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbling hot. For a super-crispy top, remove the cover for the last 5 minutes. The microwave also works in a pinch (2-3 minutes on high), but the oven keeps the tater tots at their crispy best.

FAQs

Can I use another type of meat in Cowboy Casserole?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work perfectly if you want to change it up while keeping that same comforting vibe.

Is it possible to make Cowboy Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the entire dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.

Can I add vegetables to mix things up?

Go for it! Sautéed bell peppers, frozen peas, or corn are delicious stirred into the beef mixture. They add color, flavor, and a boost of veggie goodness.

What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar is a classic for its sharp, melty bite, but feel free to try Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack for a little kick. Mixing cheeses makes the Cowboy Casserole even more fun!

How do I make the tater tots extra crispy on top?

For extra-crispy tater tots, spray them lightly with cooking oil before baking, and use the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes (just watch closely so they don’t burn). That satisfying crunch is worth the small effort!

Final Thoughts

Cowboy Casserole is delicious, dependable, and destined to wind up a favorite at your table. Try it once, and I have a feeling you’ll keep it in your comfort food rotation for a long, long time. Round up your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself—you deserve it!

Cowboy Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Cowboy Casserole recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that combines ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots. It’s a one-pan meal that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 package (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat.
Add the sauce: Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the casserole: Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, then arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until tater tots are golden and crispy.
Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

This casserole is customizable – try adding different vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
For a crispy topping, broil the casserole for a few minutes after baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American