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Easy Cowboy Casserole with crispy tater tots and melted cheese in a white baking dish on a wooden table

Easy Cowboy Casserole

This Easy Cowboy Casserole is a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that combines hearty beef, crispy tater tots, and melted cheese for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 pound ground beef (85/15)
  • 1 cup corn
  • 2/3 cup condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
  • 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 32 ounces tater tots

Equipment

  • large nonstick skillet
  • 9x13-inch casserole dish
  • spatula or wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Stir in the corn, cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, onion powder, black pepper, and crumbled bacon. Mix until creamy and well combined.
  4. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the beef mixture evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle another 1/4 cup of cheese over the top.
  5. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef and cheese mixture. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and bake for an additional 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Prep the casserole up to the tater tot layer, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready.