Cowboy Casserole with Tater Tots

Cowboy casserole with tater tots instantly brings me back to those busy weeknights when I needed a one-dish dinner that didn’t leave me with a pile of dishes so one evening I decided to combine crispy tater tots with hearty beef and a creamy cheese sauce all in one skillet and to my surprise it turned out to be a massive hit with everyone at the table.

Now it’s one of those recipes I lean on whenever I want something that’s easy to throw together and still delivers that stick to your ribs kind of comfort because the crunchy golden tops mixed with the saucy filling hit all the right notes and it never fails to draw out smiles.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this cozy dish. Feel free to make it your own!

• Ground beef – Adds protein and hearty flavor to the filling.
• Onion – Gives a sweet and aromatic base to the beef mixture.
• Garlic – Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Cream of mushroom soup – Creates a rich and creamy sauce base.
• Sour cream – Adds tang and extra creaminess to the casserole.
• Shredded cheese – Melts beautifully and ties all the ingredients together.
• Tater tots – The crispy, golden topping that makes the dish so fun and satisfying.
• Salt and pepper – For seasoning and flavor balance.
• Green onions – A fresh garnish that adds color and mild bite.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet – For browning the beef and building the casserole base.
• Mixing spoon – Helps incorporate the soup, sour cream, and cheese into the beef.
• 9×13 baking dish – To layer everything and bake it to bubbly perfection.
• Oven mitts – Essential for safely handling the hot dish when it comes out of the oven.
• Cheese grater – If using block cheese for fresher, meltier results.
• Spatula or serving spoon – To neatly dish up portions when it’s done.

Instructions

Step 1:

I preheat the oven to 375°F to get it ready while I prep the filling.

Step 2:

In a large skillet I cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and crumbled and I make sure to drain any extra grease.

Step 3:

I stir in the diced onion and minced garlic and let it cook for a few minutes until the onion softens and everything smells amazing.

Step 4:

Next I add in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream and I stir everything until smooth and fully combined.

Step 5:

I fold in about half of the shredded cheese and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6:

I transfer the beef mixture into a 9×13 baking dish and spread it out evenly then I arrange the frozen tater tots on top in a single layer.

Step 7:

I sprinkle the remaining cheese all over the tater tots and bake the casserole for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 8:

Once it’s out of the oven I let it cool for 5 minutes and then I garnish it with sliced green onions before serving.

Tips

I like using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a flavorful cheesy topping.

You can substitute cream of chicken soup if that’s what you have on hand.

Want extra veggies? I sometimes add a cup of frozen corn or green beans into the beef mixture.

If you want it spicy toss in a pinch of cayenne or a few chopped jalapeños.

For a crispier tot topping you can bake the tater tots halfway first then add them on top before the final bake.

Ways to Serve

This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.

Serve it with a side of pickled jalapeños or hot sauce if you love heat.

It’s also great with a dollop of extra sour cream or salsa on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cowboy casserole with tater tots ahead of time?

Yes you can prep everything and assemble it in the dish then cover and refrigerate for up to a day before baking.

Can I freeze cowboy casserole with tater tots?

Absolutely just wrap it tightly and freeze it before or after baking then reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Can I use other proteins instead of ground beef?

Definitely I’ve made it with ground turkey and even ground sausage and both versions were delicious.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you get a chance to try this cowboy casserole with tater tots soon! It’s such a warm and crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy enough for any night of the week. If you try it out I’d love to hear what you think or how you made it your own twist.

Happy Cooking!

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