Why Make This Recipe
Cowboy Beef Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that brings the flavors of the Wild West right to your dinner table. It’s easy to make and combines savory ground beef with creamy ingredients and crispy tater tots. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or even potlucks, this casserole is sure to please everyone’s taste buds.
How to Make Cowboy Beef Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 10 oz can corn, drained
- 10 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 30 oz bag frozen tater tots
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brown 1 lb ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink; drain excess grease.
- Add 1 medium diced onion and 1 tablespoon minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until onion is softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, and 1 teaspoon onion powder.
- Stir in 10 oz drained corn, 10 oz cream of mushroom soup, ¼ cup sour cream, and 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce. Heat through and simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Pour the meat mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange a 30 oz bag of frozen tater tots in a single layer over the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle 1½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the tater tots.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Cowboy Beef Tater Tot Casserole
This casserole is perfect as a main dish. Serve it hot, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also add some sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick!
How to Store Cowboy Beef Tater Tot Casserole
If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool down completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it by placing it in a freezer-safe dish. Just be sure to cover it well. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
Tips to Make Cowboy Beef Tater Tot Casserole
- Make sure to drain the meat well to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables; add bell peppers, peas, or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.
- For extra cheesiness, sprinkle more cheese on top before baking.
Variation
You can change the protein by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef if you prefer a lighter option. You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables like diced zucchini or bell peppers would work great.
What can I serve on the side?
A simple green salad or some steamed broccoli would complement this dish nicely.
Cowboy Beef Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef Make sure to drain excess grease.
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 10 oz can corn, drained
- 10 oz can cream of mushroom soup Can substitute with cream of chicken soup.
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Topping
- 30 oz bag frozen tater tots Arrange in a single layer over the meat mixture.
- 1½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese Sprinkle evenly over the tater tots.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink; drain excess grease.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef, cooking until the onion is softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in salt, black pepper, paprika, dried parsley, and onion powder.
- Add drained corn, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Heat through and simmer for a couple of minutes.
Assembly and Baking
- Pour the meat mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the tater tots.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until tater tots are golden brown and crispy and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.