Easy Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Cowboy Casserole is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that combines all the comfort of Southern cooking with the convenience of a one-dish meal. Whether you’re a fan of rich, meaty flavors or just looking for an easy casserole recipe that’s sure to please the whole family, this dish has got you covered. With its layers of ground beef, corn, cheese, and tater tots, it’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.
Why You Will Love Making Cowboy Casserole
Getting this casserole on the table is a breeze, and here’s why it’s about to become your new favorite:
- One-Pan Wonder: Seriously, you mix everything in one skillet and then bake. Easy cleanup!
- Customizable: Have some veggies you need to use up? Toss them in. Prefer turkey over beef? Go for it. This recipe is super adaptable.
- Kid-Approved: Good luck finding a kiddo who turns down anything topped with tater tots and cheese.
- Great for Leftovers: If by some miracle there are leftovers, they reheat like a dream.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make an extra batch and freeze it for an even easier future dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Cowboy Casserole with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Whipping up this cowboy casserole is as easy as pie (or, well, casserole). Let’s break it down:
Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 180ºC (355ºF). This gets it ready to perfectly bake your casserole to bubbly, golden perfection.
Cook the Beef
Grab a non-stick large skillet and crank the stove up to medium-high. Toss in the beef, breaking it apart and cooking until it’s nicely browned. Next up, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and taco seasoning into the skillet. Cook it all together for a few minutes until the onion softens.
Tomatoes, Corn, and Green Pepper
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and let the mix simmer for about 10 minutes. Don’t forget to season with a bit of salt and black pepper. Now, fold in the corn and diced green bell pepper.
Assemble and Bake
Grease a baking dish with some cooking spray, then spread your beef mixture evenly on the bottom. Arrange the tater tots in neat diagonal lines on top and sprinkle the cheese over the tots. Bake it in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until you see the cheese bubbling.
Garnish and Serve
Finish off by sprinkling some fresh cilantro over the baked casserole. It adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that complements the hearty ingredients perfectly. A dollop of sour cream on the side is irresistible as well!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Let’s make sure your cowboy casserole turns out amazing every single time. Here are some insider tips:
- Beef Substitute: Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative works great in this recipe. You can also try black beans or pinto beans.
- Don’t Skip the Browning: Really let that ground beef get a good sear on it. It adds depth to the flavor.
- Drain the Tomatoes: If your crushed tomatoes are super juicy, drain them a bit. You want flavor, not a soup.
- Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach would all make great additions. Just sauté them with the beef to soften before baking.
- Cheese: While Mexican shredded cheese is suggested, feel free to mix it up based on what you have. Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or a blend can add interesting flavors.
- Frozen Tater Tots: No need to thaw them. Use them straight from the freezer for that perfect crispiness.
- Spice It Up: If you like things on the spicier side, a dash of chili powder or sliced jalapeños can really kick things up a notch.
- Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: Fresh cilantro is suggested for garnish, but if you’re in a pinch, a little dried cilantro (or even skipping it) won’t ruin your dish.
- Taste as You Go: Before assembling, taste your beef mixture. Adjusting the seasoning here is key to a flavorful casserole.
- Make Ahead: Assemble it, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook.
How to Store Leftover Cowboy Casserole
Leftovers? No problem. Here’s how to keep that cowboy casserole tasting great for later:
- Cool & Airtight: Let the casserole cool to room temperature and then transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Fridge or Freeze: You can keep the casserole in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. If you freeze it, make sure it’s sealed tightly to avoid freezer burn.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven or microwave until it’s heated through. If it’s frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to ensure even warmth.
Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Everyone loves to save a buck or two, especially when it comes to feeding the crew. Here’s how you can keep your wallet happy while making cowboy casserole:
- Bulk Buy the Beef: Look out for sales on ground beef or buy it in bulk and freeze what you don’t use.
- Generic Brands are Great: For ingredients like canned tomatoes, corn, and taco seasoning, the store brand is often just as good as the name brand.
- Use Leftovers: This casserole is perfect for using up leftover veggies or even meat. Got some cooked chicken? Toss it in!
What to Serve with Cowboy Casserole
Alright, you’ve got your cowboy casserole hot and ready. Now, what to pair with it? Here are some side dish ideas that’ll round out your meal perfectly.
Garlic Bread
Who doesn’t love garlic bread? Its buttery, garlicky goodness is the perfect sidekick for scooping up any leftover sauce. Plus, it’s super easy to make.
Veggies
For a healthier side, try steamed, air fryer, or roasted broccoli or green beans. They’re simple, nutritious, and add a pop of color to your plate. A little lemon zest or butter can jazz them up. For something a little more fresh, you can’t go wrong with a simple salad. Toss some mixed greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette, and you’re good to go.
Cornbread
If you’re feeling extra Southern, whip up some cornbread. It’s a classic pairing that just makes sense. Sweet, buttery, and ideal for dipping, cornbread can easily steal the show.
More Casserole Recipes You Will Love
- Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Tuna Casserole Recipe
- Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
- Walking Taco Casserole Recipe
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Easy Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 package tater tots
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons Mexican taco seasoning
- 1 can crushed roasted tomatoes
- 1 cup corn canned, drained
- 2 cups Mexican shredded cheese
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180ºC (355ºF).
- Heat a non-stick skillet to medium-high and add the beef. Cook until browned, breaking it frequently until no more lumps remain.1 pound lean ground beef
- Add the onion, garlic, and taco seasoning, and cook for a few more minutes.1 onion, 3 garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons Mexican taco seasoning
- Add the crushed tomatoes and cook for 10 more minutes. Adjust salt and pepper. Stir in the corn and green bell pepper and mix well.1 can crushed roasted tomatoes, 1 cup corn, 1 green bell pepper
- Grease a baking dish with cooking spray and transfer the meat mixture.
- Top with the tater tots arranged in diagonal lines, and cover with the cheese.1 package tater tots, 2 cups Mexican shredded cheese
- Bake for 12 minutes, or until bubbly.
- Serve with fresh cilantro.Cilantro
Notes
- Beef Substitute: Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative works great in this recipe. You can also try black beans or pinto beans.
- Don’t Skip the Browning: Really let that ground beef get a good sear on it. It adds depth to the flavor.
- Drain the Tomatoes: If your crushed tomatoes are super juicy, drain them a bit. You want flavor, not a soup.
- Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach would all make great additions. Just sauté them with the beef to soften before baking.
- Cheese: While Mexican shredded cheese is suggested, feel free to mix it up based on what you have. Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or a blend can add interesting flavors.
- Frozen Tater Tots: No need to thaw them. Use them straight from the freezer for that perfect crispiness.
- Spice It Up: If you like things on the spicier side, a dash of chili powder or sliced jalapeños can really kick things up a notch.
- Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: Fresh cilantro is suggested for garnish, but if you’re in a pinch, a little dried cilantro (or even skipping it) won’t ruin your dish.
- Taste as You Go: Before assembling, taste your beef mixture. Adjusting the seasoning here is key to a flavorful casserole.
- Make Ahead: Assemble it, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Cool & Airtight: Let the casserole cool to room temperature and then transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Fridge or Freeze: You can keep the casserole in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. If you freeze it, make sure it’s sealed tightly to avoid freezer burn.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven or microwave until it’s heated through. If it’s frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to ensure even warmth.
