Description
This easy cowboy casserole recipe is a comforting, family-friendly dinner made with ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots. Perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings, it’s a hearty and delicious casserole that’s freezer-friendly and kid-approved.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened.
4. Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.
5. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the baking dish.
6. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
8. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until tater tots are golden and casserole is bubbling.
9. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use seasoned tater tots if you want extra flavor.
For a spicy twist, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the beef mixture.
You can prepare this casserole a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 85mg