Can I make cowboy casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance , cover it, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, pop it straight into the oven—just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.

What’s the best cheese to use for cowboy casserole?

A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack works best for a gooey, flavorful topping. If you like a little spice, try pepper jack cheese for extra kick.

Can I make this recipe without canned soup?

Absolutely! Instead of cream of mushroom soup , mix 1 cup of milk , 2 tablespoons of butter , and 2 tablespoons of flour to create a homemade creamy base.

What’s the best way to reheat cowboy casserole?

For the best texture, reheat it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes . If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just heat in 30-second intervals until warm.

Cowboy Casserole Recipe – The Best Easy 5 Steps Guide

Description

This cowboy casserole recipe is a cheesy, hearty, and easy-to-make comfort food classic. Packed with ground beef, beans, corn, and topped with crispy tater tots, it’s the perfect family-friendly meal!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups frozen tater tots

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until soft.
Stir in corn, beans, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, and seasonings. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Spread the beef mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the top.
Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the mixture.
Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and bake for another 5 minutes.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra crunch, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
To make it spicier, add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Lunch

Nutrition

Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 5g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 22g

Keywords: cowboy casserole recipe, easy cowboy casserole, cheesy ground beef casserole, tater tot casserole, hearty family dinner, comfort food casserole