Cowboy Casserole Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a cheesy, hearty casserole to bring the whole family together—and this Cowboy Casserole delivers just that.

With layers of juicy ground beef, smoky bacon, sweet corn, creamy sauce, and golden tater tots topped with gooey melted cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food.

Perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or when you just want a no-fuss meal that feels like a warm hug in a dish.

This one-pan dinner is not only easy to make but also endlessly customizable, making it a true family favorite.

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, planning ahead for the week, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this recipe has you covered.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients that you can find in any grocery store.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it in advance, refrigerate overnight, and bake when ready.
Family-Approved: A kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing dish that’s always requested at dinner.
Customizable: Swap meats, cheeses, or add your favorite veggies to make it your own.
Slow Cooker Option: Don’t want to turn on the oven? Cook it low and slow in a crockpot instead.
Quick & Easy: Minimal prep, simple steps, and ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

For the Base Layer

1 lb ground beef (15% fat recommended)
1 tsp onion powder
2 cloves fresh garlic, chopped
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
½ cup whole milk
⅓ cup sour cream

Seasonings

1 packet ranch seasoning
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp ground cumin

Add-Ins

1 can corn (drained)
1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
6 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled
1 can (15 oz) baked beans

Toppings

1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
2 cups shredded cheese blend
Sliced jalapeños (optional)
Chopped chives or scallions (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in onion powder and chopped garlic, cooking until fragrant. Add ranch seasoning, black pepper, and cumin, mixing well.

Step 2 – Add the Creamy Mixture
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 3 – Mix in the Add-Ins
Add corn, tomatoes, green chilies, bacon, and baked beans. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors.

Step 4 – Assemble the Casserole
Transfer mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange frozen tater tots evenly on top, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Add jalapeños if using.

Step 5 – Bake
Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and the cheese is melted.

Step 6 – Garnish & Serve
Top with chopped chives or scallions. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Substitutions & Variations

Seasoning: Swap ranch for taco seasoning, or add chili powder for extra kick.
Protein: Use turkey, sausage, chicken, venison, or even a plant-based alternative.
Veggies: Mix in bell peppers, carrots, or frozen veggie blends for extra nutrition.
Cheese: Try cheddar, mozzarella, or colby jack—or make it extra cheesy with more on top.
Cream Base: Replace sour cream with ranch dip, or use a homemade cream soup for gluten-free.

Storing & Reheating Tips

Make Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until baking.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual servings.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

Calories: 563 kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 31g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: 1170mg

FAQs for Cowboy Casserole

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble up to a day before and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I use a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Cook on low for 4–5 hours in a crockpot without lifting the lid.

What can I use instead of ground beef?
Try ground turkey, chicken, sausage, brisket, or even a plant-based meat substitute.

Final Thoughts

This Cowboy Casserole is everything you want in a comfort meal: cheesy, hearty, and satisfying. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but tasty enough to serve at potlucks and family gatherings. Don’t be surprised if your family asks for seconds—or if there aren’t any leftovers at all!

Bite & Bliss