Description
A comforting Cowboy Casserole with layers of seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained (or 1 1/2 cups frozen corn, thawed)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (32 oz) bag seasoned tater tots
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until browned and onions are translucent.
- Add garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper; cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the drained corn, condensed soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar into the beef mixture until evenly combined.
- Spread the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar over the top of the beef layer.
- Arrange tater tots in a single layer across the surface.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until tater tots are golden and the casserole is bubbly.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
For best results, drain excess fat and ensure an even layer of tater tots for a crispy crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American