The Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that embodies the spirit of the wild west with its robust flavors and satisfying ingredients. This casserole combines the simplicity of ground beef and tater tots with the creamy textures of soups and sour cream, topped off with the rich sharpness of cheddar cheese. It's a perfect meal for feeding a hungry crowd, offering a deliciously indulgent mix of flavors that's sure to please both children and adults alike. Ideal for a cozy family dinner, potluck, or any gathering where comfort food is appreciated, this recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. Ground beef
- 1 Large bag frozen tater tots
- 1 Cup Onion, chopped
- 2 tsp. Minced garlic
- ½ Cup Milk
- 1 Can Cream of onion soup
- 1 Can of corn, drained
- ¼ Cup Sour cream
- 2 Cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that the oven is ready by the time your casserole is assembled.
Step 2: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish well. Spread half of the tater tots in a single layer at the bottom of the dish, creating the first layer of your casserole.
Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion to the skillet, cooking until the meat is completely browned and the onions have softened. Make sure to break the meat apart with a spoon or spatula for even cooking.
Step 4: Once the meat is cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet. This is important for preventing the casserole from becoming too greasy.
Step 5: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté with the meat and onion mixture for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 6: Stir in the cream of onion soup, milk, drained corn, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.
Step 7: Carefully spread the meat mixture over the layer of tater tots in the baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
Step 8: Arrange the remaining tater tots on top of the meat mixture in a single layer. This will add a crispy texture to the dish.
Step 9: Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top layer of tater tots.
Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes. The casserole is ready when the tater tots are crispy and golden, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cowboy Casserole hot, straight from the oven. It's a complete meal on its own but can also be paired with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to add a touch of freshness to the hearty dish. For an extra kick, offer hot sauce or ketchup on the side.
Tips
- For a leaner option, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the meat mixture, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, for added nutrition and flavor.
- If you're looking to make this dish ahead of time, assemble the casserole without baking and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if necessary.
Cowboy Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines simple ingredients into a satisfying meal. Its layers of flavor and texture make it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any casual dining occasion. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this casserole is a testament to the comfort and simplicity of home-cooked meals.
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