Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

You can absolutely swap in homemade or fresh potato cubes, but keep in mind they might not crisp up as evenly as tater tots. If you do, parboil the potatoes first and toss them with a little oil before layering on top.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Cheesy Cowboy Casserole with Tater Tots Recipe?

Definitely! You can replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, beans, or a plant-based meat substitute. Add extras like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for more texture and flavor.

How long does this casserole keep in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, the casserole will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just bake it following the recipe instructions.

Cheesy Cowboy Casserole with Tater Tots

Description

A hearty and comforting Cowboy Casserole combining ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, cheese, bacon, corn, and crispy tater tots baked to perfection for a satisfying family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Dairy

1 pound ground beef
1 10.75 ounce can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup cooked and chopped bacon

Vegetables and Seasonings

1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups frozen corn

Other

28 ounces frozen tater tots
Cooking spray for pan

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces until no pink remains. Drain excess grease carefully and set aside.
Make Creamy Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth and well combined.
Season Mixture: Add the onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the creamy base, mixing thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked ground beef, frozen corn, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped bacon into the creamy mixture until everything is well incorporated.
Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top, then layer the frozen tater tots evenly over the cheese.
Bake Casserole: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown.
Add Final Cheese Layer: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top, and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Serve: Optionally, sprinkle additional cooked bacon on top before serving. Serve hot and enjoy your cowboy casserole!

Notes

For a sharper flavor, use aged cheddar cheese.
You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken for variation.
Use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a lower fat version.
Make sure to drain the ground beef well to avoid a greasy casserole.
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 430 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 670 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg