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Hearty Homestyle Cowboy Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic Loaded with Beef, Corn, Cheese & Crispy Tater Tots

Shruthi
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty American comfort dish made with ground beef, corn, creamy soup, and cheese.It’s topped with crispy golden tater tots for added texture and flavor.The recipe is easy, affordable, and family-friendly.Perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.It requires minimal prep and uses simple pantry ingredients.Warm, cheesy, and satisfying in every bite.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
  • Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in corn, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika.
  • Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
  • Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
  • Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
  • Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
  • Cream of chicken soup can replace mushroom soup.
  • Fresh corn adds extra sweetness.
  • Add diced bell peppers for extra flavour.
  • Sharp cheddar provides stronger cheese flavour.
  • Let the casserole rest before serving for better texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in oven for best crispiness.
Keyword American comfort food, cheesy casserole, Cowboy casserole, Easy Family Meals, Ground Beef Dinner, shepherd’s pie tater tot casserole