Dinner

Cowboy Casserole Recipe

BySimon Carel November 12, 2025November 12, 2025

Introduction

Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines savory ground beef, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

A close-up view of a layered dish served on a white plate showing a base of creamy cooked ground beef mixed with bright yellow corn kernels. Above that is a middle layer of golden-brown crispy tater tots arranged tightly side by side. The top layer is a generous sprinkle of shredded orange cheddar cheese melting slightly over the tater tots. The colors range from the rich brown and yellow in the meat and corn, to the crispy golden tater tots, and finishing with the bright melted cheese on a white marbled textured surface behind the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs. ground beef
1 large bag frozen tater tots
1 cup onion, chopped
2 tsp. minced garlic
½ cup milk
1 can cream of onion soup
1 can corn, drained
¼ cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 baking dish and arrange half of the tater tots in a single layer on the bottom.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is fully browned and the onions are soft. Drain excess grease.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir in the cream of onion soup, milk, drained corn, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
Step 5: Spread the meat mixture evenly over the layer of tater tots in the baking dish.
Step 6: Place the remaining tater tots in a layer over the meat mixture and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Step 7: Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add diced green chilies or a dash of smoked paprika to the meat mixture.
Swap cream of onion soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different taste.
Add chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for some color and spice.
Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a creamier texture.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture of the tater tots.

How to Serve

The image shows a rectangular metal baking tray filled with a layered tater tot casserole. The bottom layer is creamy and slightly browned, likely a mix of ground meat and sauce, visible beneath the top. The middle layer is a dense cover of golden-brown, crispy tater tots neatly arranged side by side, giving a textured and rough surface. The topmost layer consists of bright orange shredded cheese lightly scattered over the tater tots, adding a pop of color and a slightly melted look in some areas. The tray sits on a white marbled surface with a soft blurred textile in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Can I freeze Cowboy Casserole?

This casserole freezes well when fully cooked. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.