Calling all comfort food lovers and busy home cooks! Get ready to discover the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish that will transport you straight to the hearty kitchens of the Wild West. Our Cowboy Casserole is not just a meal—it's a flavor-packed adventure that combines the rustic charm of cowboy cuisine with the convenience of a one-pan wonder. Imagine a bubbling, golden-topped casserole that promises to satisfy even the hungriest cowboys (and cowgirls) at your dinner table!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains and the meat is fully cooked, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef using a colander, then return the meat to the skillet.
- Add drained kidney beans, drained corn, and cream of mushroom soup to the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and let simmer for 3-4 minutes to blend flavors.
- Transfer the beef and bean mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
- Serve hot, portioning out approximately 1 cup per serving.
Tips
- Drain meats and canned ingredients thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole.
- For extra flavor, consider adding diced onions or a sprinkle of garlic powder when browning the ground beef.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and a more authentic texture.
- Ensure your tater tots are spread in a single layer for maximum crispiness.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of chili powder or use pepper jack cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven to maintain the tater tot crispiness.
- This recipe is easily customizable - feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or add additional vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 383kcal
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 52mg
