Easy Cowboy Casserole Made Simple for Weeknights
Easy cowboy casserole is a hearty, protein-packed comfort food featuring seasoned ground beef, corn, creamy sauce, cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots. A crowd-pleasing, freezer-friendly classic.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 lbs ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup canned or frozen corn
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- In a skillet, brown beef and onion over medium heat, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in soup, sour cream, and corn. Heat through.
- Spread beef mixture in dish. Top with 1 cup cheese, then tater tots.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese and bake 5–7 more minutes.
- Cool slightly. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Notes
Use turkey or plant-based crumbles if preferred. Make ahead and refrigerate or freeze before baking. Serve with salad or veggies.