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cowboy casserole

Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Rachid Yousfi
Cowboy casserole is the perfect balance of comforting, hearty flavors and easy preparation, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a meal that satisfies hunger and brings a sense of home to the dinner table.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Aluminum foil
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 bag frozen tater tots
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup sour cream

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened.
  • Prepare the Casserole Filling: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
  • Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly. Then, layer the frozen tater tots on top of the beef mixture. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots
  • Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
  • Serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and serve with optional sour cream on top for an extra creamy touch.

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Notes

  • Use Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef (or ground turkey) to make the casserole a bit lighter, but still full of flavor.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Tater Tots: For the crispiest topping, make sure the tater tots are arranged in a single layer, not overcrowded.
  • Mix Up the Cheese: Try mixing different types of cheese, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for a new twist. This gives the dish extra creaminess and flavor.
  • Add More Veggies: Throw in some frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
  • Bake with Foil: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes of baking to avoid burning the cheese. Uncover it for the last 10–15 minutes to allow the tater tots to get crispy.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Serving Size
 
250 g
Amount per Serving
Calories
350
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
20
g
31
%
Saturated Fat
 
8
g
50
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
9
g
Cholesterol
 
40
mg
13
%
Sodium
 
700
mg
30
%
Potassium
 
550
mg
16
%
Carbohydrates
 
30
g
10
%
Fiber
 
3
g
13
%
Sugar
 
2
g
2
%
Protein
 
20
g
40
%
Vitamin A
 
500
IU
10
%
Vitamin C
 
8
mg
10
%
Calcium
 
200
mg
20
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword Cowboy casserole
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