Description
Looking for a no-fuss, family-friendly dinner idea that satisfies every craving? Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—loaded with seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, melty cheddar, corn, and golden-crisp tater tots. It’s the kind of easy dinner recipe that turns everyday ingredients into a cozy classic. Perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or anyone seeking easy dinner ideas with a hearty twist. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this quick casserole checks all the boxes for flavor, ease, and satisfaction.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned and softened. Drain excess fat.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked beef, soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, corn, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
4. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the dish.
5. Top with frozen tater tots in a single, even layer.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove foil and continue baking for 15–20 minutes until tater tots are crispy and golden.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
You can prepare this dish in advance and refrigerate it overnight—just bake it a little longer if it’s cold.
Use frozen tater tots directly to keep them crispy during baking.
Swap ground beef for turkey or vegetarian crumbles to suit different diets.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 1/4 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: easy dinner, cowboy casserole, tater tot casserole, beef casserole, comfort food