Cowboy Casserole

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion and cook until the beef is completely browned and the onion has softened, breaking the meat into crumbles as it cooks.
3. Carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet.
4. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, drained tomatoes with green chilies, frozen corn, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring until everything is evenly combined and heated through.
5. Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
6. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
7. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. Keeping a little space between the tots will help them become crisp as they bake.
8. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling around the edges and the tater tots are crisp and golden brown.
9. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese over the casserole. Return it to the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted.
10. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This gives the creamy filling time to thicken slightly and makes portions easier to serve.

Variations

• Bacon Cowboy Casserole: Add crispy crumbled bacon to the beef mixture for an extra smoky flavor.
• BBQ Cowboy: Stir ¼–½ cup barbecue sauce into the beef filling for a sweet and smoky variation.
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or Pepper Jack cheese.
• Loaded: Finish the casserole with sliced green onions, sour cream, bacon, and diced tomatoes.
• Bean and Beef: Add drained black beans or pinto beans to make the casserole even heartier.
• Ground Turkey: Substitute ground turkey for the beef for a lighter version.

Tips

• Drain the tomatoes thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the casserole watery.
• Keep the tater tots frozen until you’re ready to assemble the casserole. Frozen tots generally produce a crispier topping.
• Arrange the tater tots in a single layer instead of piling them on top of one another so they brown evenly.
• Freshly shredded cheddar melts smoothly and gives the casserole a rich cheesy finish.
• For even crispier tater tots, broil the casserole briefly before adding the final layer of cheese, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Add cooked bacon or a splash of barbecue sauce to the beef mixture for an easy smoky twist.
• Allow the casserole to rest for several minutes after baking so the filling sets and doesn’t spread excessively when served.