Hearty, creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—this quick & tasty cowboy casserole recipe is pure comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or feeding a hungry crowd, it uses simple ingredients and comes together fast.
Below is an easy, delicious version you’ll love!
⭐ Ingredients
Main Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 can (10 oz) Rotel or diced tomatoes with green chilies (optional)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional but tasty!)
1 bag (28–32 oz) tater tots, frozen
🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Heat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat.
Add diced onion and garlic; cook until softened.
Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Make the Creamy Filling
Stir in:
cream of mushroom soup
sour cream
corn
Rotel (if using)
seasonings
Mix until creamy and fully combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese over the top.
Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
5. Bake
Bake 30–35 minutes or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
6. Add Final Cheese
Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar on top.
Bake 5 more minutes until melted and gooey.
🍽️ Serve & Enjoy!
Let cool slightly, then serve with:
green onions
sour cream
jalapeños
a side salad
This cowboy casserole is hearty, satisfying, and full of cozy flavors.
🔥 Tips for the Best Cowboy Casserole
✔ Use tater tots straight from the freezer
They’ll crisp up beautifully.
✔ Want a spicier version?
Add:
pepper jack cheese
diced jalapeños
hot Rotel
✔ Make it extra creamy
Stir in 1/2 cup cream cheese during step 3.
✔ Make ahead
Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Bake 10 extra minutes if chilled.
✔ Add protein variety
Swap ground beef for:
ground turkey
sausage
pulled chicken
🍲 Optional Variations
Cowboy Breakfast Casserole
Add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage.
Veggie Cowboy Casserole
Mix in:
bell peppers
black beans
spinach
BBQ Cowboy Casserole
Add 1/4 cup BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.