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introduction

If you’re looking for a simple, hearty meal that the whole family will love, Cowboy Casserole is the perfect choice. This dish combines ground beef, tater tots, cheese, and a few other easy ingredients to create a delicious one-dish meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

why make this recipe

Cowboy Casserole is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly filling. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it takes very little time to cook, which is great for those on a tight schedule. You can customize it to your taste, making it a versatile go-to recipe that can be adjusted for different dietary needs.

how to make Cowboy Casserole

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir until well combined.
In a greased baking dish, layer the beef mixture, followed by the drained corn, and then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
Finally, arrange the tater tots evenly over the cheese layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

how to serve Cowboy Casserole

Serve Cowboy Casserole hot, directly from the baking dish. It’s great on its own, but you can also pair it with a simple green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Don’t forget to offer some hot sauce or your favorite condiments on the side for added flavor!

how to store Cowboy Casserole

To store leftover Cowboy Casserole, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

tips to make Cowboy Casserole

For extra flavor, consider adding diced onions or bell peppers when cooking the ground beef.
If you want a little heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
You can use any type of cheese you prefer, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for a twist on the flavor.

variation

Feel free to make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with black beans or lentils. You can also use different vegetables like peas or diced tomatoes for added freshness.

FAQs

1. Can I make Cowboy Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it the night before and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I use fresh ingredients instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh corn and homemade cream of mushroom soup can be used for a fresher taste.

3. Is Cowboy Casserole kid-friendly?
Yes, its cheesy and savory flavor usually appeals to kids. You can even let them help with the assembly!