A hearty and satisfying meal all in one dish, Cowboy Casserole combines creamy ground beef, sweet corn, melty cheese, and crispy golden tater tots. I love pulling this together when I want something comforting, filling, and guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how this casserole gives me everything I need in a single pan—protein, vegetables, starch, and loads of flavor. It’s quick to prep, especially on busy nights, and it’s a dish I can easily customize to suit what I have on hand. It also reheats wonderfully, so leftovers never go to waste.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

32 ounces frozen tater tots
1 pound ground beef
½ medium yellow onion, diced
10 ounces Rotel tomatoes, not drained
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup sour cream
10.5 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
15.25 ounces whole kernel corn, drained
1½ cups shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese, divided
1 tablespoon chopped chives

directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Spread the tater tots in the bottom of the dish and bake for 8 minutes. Remove and set them aside. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onions until the beef is browned and the onions are soft.
Stir in the Rotel, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 8 minutes.
Remove from heat and mix in the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, corn, and ½ cup of shredded cheese until well combined.
Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle another ½ cup of shredded cheese on top.
Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture and gently press them down.
Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese and sprinkle chopped chives over everything.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the tater tots are golden and crispy.
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
For extra heat, I stir in diced jalapeños or use hot Rotel.
I’ve added black beans or kidney beans for more texture and protein.
A sprinkle of crispy bacon on top makes it even more indulgent.
If I don’t have Colby Jack, I use cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend.

storage/reheating

Refrigerate: I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: I freeze portions in individual containers or wrap the whole dish tightly in foil for up to 3 months.
Reheat: For small portions, I reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For the full dish, I reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. When I’m ready to bake, I just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

I’ve used cream of chicken soup and it works just as well. It still keeps everything creamy and flavorful.

Are fresh vegetables okay to use?

Absolutely. I’ve sautéed fresh corn or bell peppers and mixed them in instead of canned corn. Just make sure to cook them first.

Can I leave out the sour cream?

If I’m out of sour cream, I sometimes use plain Greek yogurt. It gives the same creaminess with a slight tang.

How do I get the tater tots extra crispy?

To make the tater tots extra crispy, I bake them on a sheet pan separately until golden, then layer them on top of the casserole before finishing in the oven.

Conclusion

This Cowboy Casserole is one of my go-to comfort food meals. It’s rich, flavorful, and simple enough for weeknights but satisfying enough for a weekend treat. I love how adaptable it is, and it always earns a spot on my family’s favorites list.