Cowboy Casserole: A Hearty and Comforting Meal for Everyone

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and Quick: This casserole is ready in just over an hour with minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Hearty and Filling: With ground beef, vegetables, and tater tots, it’s a complete meal that’ll keep you full and satisfied.
Kid-Friendly: The combination of familiar ingredients like tater tots and cheese makes it a hit with the whole family.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one dish, saving time on cleanup!

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix
4 cups frozen tater tots
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 small onion, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Brown the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Break it apart as it cooks to ensure it cooks evenly.

3. Add Vegetables

Stir in the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Mix in Corn and Beans

Add the drained corn and green beans to the skillet. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

5. Combine Soup and Seasoning

In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with the ranch seasoning mix. Stir this mixture into the skillet, combining everything thoroughly.

6. Layer the Casserole

Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in a 9×13 inch casserole dish.

7. Add Tater Tots

Pour the frozen tater tots over the top of the casserole. Arrange them evenly for an even bake.

8. Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

9. Sprinkle Cheese

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.

10. Cool and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set slightly for easy serving.

Notes

Customizations: Feel free to swap the green beans with another vegetable like peas or carrots. You can also use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Freezing: This dish freezes well. Once baked and cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes until warmed through.

Storing and Reheating

Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of soup?

Yes! If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.

2. Can I make this recipe without ranch seasoning?

If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can substitute it with a blend of dried herbs like parsley, dill, and garlic powder for similar flavor.

3. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?

Yes, fresh vegetables can be used instead of canned. Just be sure to cook them before adding them to the casserole.

4. Can I add more cheese to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add more shredded cheddar or even use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra flavor.

5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and make the dish vegetarian-friendly.

Conclusion

Cowboy Casserole is a simple, hearty, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. With its layers of ground beef, vegetables, tater tots, and melted cheese, this casserole is comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a potluck, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Try it today and enjoy the perfect blend of textures and flavors!

Cowboy Casserole: A Hearty and Comforting Meal for Everyone

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients