Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Irresistible Cowboy Casserole Recipe : A Hearty, Comforting Tater Tot Bake


  • Author: Lyndy
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Cowboy Casserole Recipe is the ultimate comfort food: a creamy, cheesy beef filling topped with golden crispy tater tots. Quick to prep, kid-friendly, and perfect for weeknights or potlucks, this hearty dish is a crowd favorite you’ll make again and again!


Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450g) ground beef 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 small onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup 1/2 cup sour cream 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping) 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) Salt and pepper, to taste 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish Optional: 1 can of corn or peas Ground turkey or chicken Crumbled cooked bacon Cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. 2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. 3. Add diced onion and cook 2–3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in smoked paprika if using. 4. Reduce heat to low. Add cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup shredded cheddar. Mix until smooth and creamy. 5. Spread beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top. Sprinkle with extra shredded cheese if desired. 6. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until tater tots are golden and filling is bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. 7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

• Assemble up to a day ahead and refrigerate; bake just before serving. • For best texture, use freshly grated cheese. • Let casserole rest after baking so it sets slightly before slicing. • Freeze assembled casserole (unbaked) for up to 2 months; bake from frozen adding extra time.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 840mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: cowboy casserole recipe, cowboy tatertot casserole, beef casserole recipe, shepherd’s pie tater tot casserole, dinner with ground beef, tater tot hash brown casserole