Welcome to the flavorful twist of the Wild West with this Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole! This delicious dish is the ultimate comfort food, combining ground beef, cheese, and tater tots in one hearty and irresistible casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pickled jalapeños, green onions for garnish
Equipments
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Oven
How to Make Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole – Step By Step
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a hot and even temperature for your casserole to cook thoroughly and get that desired crispy top.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, cheddar cheese soup, milk, drained corn, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir these ingredients together until you have a consistent mixture.
Step 4: Assemble Your Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Ensure the creamy consistency covers the entire bottom of the dish.
Step 5: Add the Tater Tots
Top the beef mixture with a uniform layer of tater tots. Arrange them dotingly so they cover all exposed sections of the beef layer.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
How to Serve Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole
Garnish with pickled jalapeños and chopped green onions for an extra kick. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting meal with a simple side salad or steamed veggies for a complete dinner.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For the best results, use full-fat cheddar cheese soup for a creamier texture. Experiment with different varieties of cheese or add cooked bacon for enhanced flavor.
High Protein Twist: Power up Your Cowboy Casserole
For those looking to increase their protein intake, consider adding black beans or kidney beans into the beef mixture. Additionally, topping with grilled chicken strips post-baking can give an extra protein boost.
Low Carb Cowboy Casserole: A Healthier Version
Swap out the traditional tater tots for cauliflower tots to lower the carb count significantly. Use a light sprinkle of cheese and consider reducing the amount of cheddar soup to make it keto-friendly.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until hot.
FAQs
- Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? Yes, assemble it and cover tightly with foil, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Is it possible to use a different type of meat? Certainly! Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner options.
- My casserole is too dry, what did I do wrong? Ensure you use the full quantity of cheese soup and milk for moisture.
- Can I add vegetables to the casserole? Absolutely, diced bell peppers or mushrooms work wonderfully!
- How do I make it spicy? Incorporate spicy sausage or add some cayenne pepper.
Treat Yourself: Why You Should Try This Recipe
The Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole is an epitome of comfort in dinner form. Quick, filling, and unique, it’s a meal that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds. Share this recipe, comment below with your results, and let’s keep deliciousness on our tables! 🥳
Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- condensed cheddar cheese soup
- whole kernel corn
- small onion
- milk
- frozen tater tots
- shredded cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper
Instructions
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat and season.
- Mix beef, cheddar cheese soup, milk, corn, and cheese in a bowl. Stir well.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with tater tots. Arrange evenly in a single layer.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.