Description
Hearty Cowboy Casserole delivers frontier comfort straight from Midwest kitchens, blending ground beef, crispy tater tots, and melted cheese into one satisfying skillet. Rustic flavors and simple ingredients promise a quick, delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package frozen tater tots
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can corn, drained
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare a culinary canvas by heating the oven to a robust 375°F, creating the perfect environment for this hearty western-inspired dish.
- Transform ground beef in a sizzling skillet, orchestrating a flavor dance with diced onions and minced garlic until the meat achieves a rich, caramelized brown and loses all traces of pink.
- Introduce corn kernels, velvety cream of mushroom soup, and tangy sour cream to the beef mixture, stirring until the ingredients harmonize into a cohesive, creamy blend.
- Construct the casserole’s foundation by spreading the savory meat concoction evenly across a spacious baking vessel, ensuring a uniform layer that promises delectable bites.
- Generously cascade shredded cheddar cheese over the meat mixture, allowing the dairy to create a golden, melting blanket of flavor.
- Crown the creation with a precise arrangement of frozen tater tots, positioning them strategically to maximize crispy coverage and textural contrast.
- Slide the assembled casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 30-35 minutes until the tots turn gloriously golden-brown and the cheese bubbles with inviting enthusiasm.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version of the casserole.
- Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili powder to enhance the cowboy-style flavor profile and give it a subtle kick.
- Use low-fat cheese and reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup to create a healthier alternative without compromising taste.
- Prep the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, which allows flavors to meld and makes weeknight dinner preparation easier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg