Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup; 1/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 cup frozen corn; 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles; 1 tsp taco seasoning; 1 cup shredded cheddar or Colby-Jack cheese (plus extra for topping); 32 oz bag tater tots; Salt & pepper to taste

I love this hearty, one-pan cowboy casserole—ground beef, creamy filling, veggies, cheese, and crispy tater tots all baked together. It’s comfort food at its finest with minimal effort.

Cowboy Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I admire how versatile and fuss-free this dish is. You can assemble it ahead of time, swap proteins or veggies, and bake it when you’re ready. It’s rich, cheesy, filling—you really hit the jackpot in flavor and convenience.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• ¼ cup milk
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1 tsp taco seasoning (or use 1 Tbsp homemade blend)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Colby-Jack cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 32 oz bag tater tots
• Salt & pepper to taste

directions

Preheat oven to 400°F.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic until beef is no longer pink; drain excess fat.
Stir in soup, milk, sour cream, corn, beans, tomatoes/chiles, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated and well combined.
Stir in 1 cup of cheese until melted.
Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top, then sprinkle more cheese over tater tots if desired.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until tater tots are golden and the filling is bubbling.
Let rest a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

• Yields: 6 servings
• Prep time: ~15 minutes
• Bake time: ~25–30 minutes (35–45 minutes total)

Variations

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage
Use hash browns instead of tater tots
Change beans: black beans, baked beans, or pinto beans
Add veggies: bell peppers, spinach, broccoli, jalapeños
Spice it up with hot sauce, salsa, or extra taco seasoning

storage/reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Assemble (or bake) fully, cool, then freeze up to 2–3 months
Reheat:
- Oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes (uncovered or lightly covered)
- Or microwave individual portions until hot.

FAQs

What can I use instead of tater tots?

You can use frozen hash browns, crispy crowns, mashed potatoes, or even biscuit dough as a topping.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely—I often make the filling a day ahead, refrigerate it, then bake with tater tots when ready. You can also fully assemble and freeze.

How do I make it vegetarian?

I’ve swapped in chopped mushrooms, tofu, or extra beans in place of beef. Just ensure you use plant-based cheese and tater tots.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and onion, then transfer to a slow cooker. Add all filling, top with tots and cheese, and cook on low for 3–4 hours.

Will it be soggy if I refrigerate before baking?

If prepped ahead, I wait to add tots until just before baking. Refrigerated filling topped with fresh tots stays crisp and delicious.

Conclusion

I love how this Cowboy Casserole brings together simplicity, comfort, and flexibility in one pan. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or making ahead. Tweak it to match what you have in your pantry, and serve up cheesy, crispy comfort every time.