Description
This Easy Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly comfort food made with ground beef, vegetables, creamy sauce, melty cheddar, and topped with crispy tater tots. Perfect for busy nights or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Stir in mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and half the cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the filling.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until tater tots are golden and crispy.
8. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top and bake for 5 more minutes until melted.
9. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
For extra flavor, sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the top before serving.
If making ahead, assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
To keep tater tots extra crispy, avoid covering the casserole during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: cowboy casserole, tater tot casserole, ground beef recipes