Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Crispy, Cheesy Comfort Food in 45 Minutes. A savory base of ground beef, sweet corn, and caramelized onions topped with melted cheddar and crispy tater tots.
Equipment
- Large Cast Iron Skillet
- Cheese Grater
- Spatula
Ingredients
Casserole Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb 80/20 ground chuck beef room temperature
- 1 yellow onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup 1 can
- 1 cup frozen sweet corn
- 0.5 cup sour cream full-fat
- 1 pinch salt and black pepper to taste
Topping
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated, divided
- 32 oz frozen tater tots 1 package
Instructions
- Phase 1: Prep Work. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grate your sharp cheddar cheese and set it aside. Dice your yellow onion and mince your garlic to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Phase 2: Cooking the Base. Heat a large, oven-safe cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, then sauté onions until translucent. Add the ground beef, brown it, and drain excess grease. Lower heat to medium, stir in minced garlic, and cook for 60 seconds. Fold in frozen corn, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened, then remove from heat.
- Phase 3: Finishing Touches. Smooth the top of the beef mixture and sprinkle half of the freshly grated cheddar cheese over it. Arrange frozen tater tots in tight, concentric circles on top. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Remove, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tots, and return to the oven for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Slow Cooker Version: Simply brown the meat and onions on the stove, transfer the mixture to your slow cooker with the soup and corn, top with cheese and tots, and cook on low for 3-4 hours!
Expert Tip: Do not overcrowd the tater tots; a single, tightly packed layer ensures maximum crunch.