Description
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty one-pan dish that combines savory ground beef, vegetables, tater tots, and melted cheese into a satisfying and comforting meal. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals, it’s a dish that will become a favorite.
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
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Break it apart as it cooks for even browning.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix in Corn and Beans: Add the drained corn and green beans to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- 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.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Tater Tots: Pour the frozen tater tots over the top, arranging them evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Sprinkle Cheese: Remove from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set.
Notes
Customizations: Swap green beans with peas or carrots, and use ground turkey or plant-based sausage for a different twist.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezing: This dish freezes well. Once baked and cooled, store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg