Hearty and cheesy cowboy casserole with ground beef, corn, creamy sauce, and tater tots—a perfect comfort food and easy one-pan weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole hits all the right notes—cheesy, creamy, crunchy, and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want an easy weeknight dinner, it’s a winner for several reasons:
- Made in one pan for easy cleanup
- Perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners
- Crowd-pleasing flavors even picky eaters love
- Uses common pantry and freezer staples
- Comfort food at its best—filling, flavorful, and indulgent
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (10 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen crispy crowns or tater tots
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until beef is browned and onions are soft. Drain any excess grease.
- Add salt, pepper, paprika, parsley, and onion powder. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Mix in Worcestershire sauce, corn, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir to combine and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top.
- Arrange frozen tater tots or crispy crowns on top in a single layer.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Servings And Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: Approx. 450 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese instead of Colby Jack.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in some bell peppers or frozen mixed vegetables.
- Chicken Version: Swap the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Tex-Mex Style: Use taco seasoning and replace corn with black beans.
- Breakfast Style: Add cooked bacon bits and a few whisked eggs to the beef mixture.
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes or until warmed through. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
FAQs
What Can I Use Instead Of Cream Of Mushroom Soup?
You can use cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version using butter, flour, milk, and mushrooms.
Can I Freeze Cheesy Cowboy Casserole?
Yes, assemble it without baking and freeze. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F for 45–50 minutes.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely. Assemble it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What Cheese Works Best For This Recipe?
Colby Jack is ideal, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work well too.
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead Of Frozen Tater Tots?
Yes, but you’ll need to par-cook or fry them first to ensure crispiness.
Is This Casserole Gluten-Free?
Only if you use gluten-free soup and verify that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead Of Beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works just as well for a lighter option.
What Should I Serve With This Casserole?
A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables pair nicely to balance the richness.
Can I Add Beans To The Recipe?
Yes, black beans or pinto beans are great additions for extra protein and texture.
How Do I Keep The Tater Tots Crispy?
Make sure they’re arranged in a single layer and avoid covering the top while baking.
Conclusion
Cheesy Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish—easy to make, loaded with flavor, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re prepping it ahead, freezing for later, or serving it up fresh out of the oven, it’s a recipe that brings people together around the table. Give it a try, and enjoy a deliciously hearty meal that’s bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Print
Cheesy Cowboy Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Hearty, cheesy cowboy casserole with ground beef, sweet corn, creamy sauce & tater tots. A comforting, filling, and easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 (10 oz) can corn, drained
1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1/4 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
1 (30 oz) bag frozen crispy crowns or tater tots
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In an oven-safe skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned; drain excess grease.
Season with salt, pepper, paprika, parsley, and onion powder. Stir in garlic; cook 1 more minute.
Add Worcestershire sauce, corn, soup, sour cream, and 1 cup cheese. Stir well and smooth evenly.
Top with remaining cheese and arrange tater tots in a single layer.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until tots are golden and crispy.
Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute Colby Jack with cheddar or Monterey Jack.
- Add chopped green onions or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American