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Comforting Cowboy Casserole

Category: Meals for Every Occasion

This fuss-free casserole brings together cheesy ground beef, corn, and crunchy tots for a quick, filling dinner in 50 minutes.
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Clare Greco
Updated on Thu, 19 Jun 2025 17:41:45 GMT
Comforting Cowboy Casserole Save
Comforting Cowboy Casserole | homebitesbyana.com

This cowboy casserole is my go-to when I'm too wiped to cook anything fancy but still want everyone fed and happy. You toss together browned ground beef, bacon, and sweet corn in a rich creamy sauce, pile on a layer of tater tots, cover everything with gooey cheese, and bake till it's golden and bubbly. I found this dish during a wild week when none of us were home at the same time, but it still managed to bring us all together for a warm, filling meal we could agree on.

My kids keep calling this dinner 'the absolute best' just because there’s cheese and crunchy tots together. Even my picky daughter does a happy dance for seconds and tries to snag leftovers for lunch. We always save it for Friday nights — it feels like a treat but doesn’t take much effort.

Tasty Ingredients

  • Frozen tater tots: The secret to that crunchy golden top
  • Crispy bacon: Just makes it all better, trust me
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: Goes into the filling and on top, so everything gets melty and cheesy
  • Cream of mushroom soup: Brings everything together and keeps things creamy
  • Frozen corn: Gives a little pop and sweetness that really works here
  • Ground beef: Use 85/15 for best results — enough fat so it’s extra tasty
Cowboy Casserole Save
Cowboy Casserole | homebitesbyana.com

How To Throw It Together

Baking to finish
Pop it uncovered in the oven for about 40–45 minutes so those tots get nice and crispy. If you’ve got any cheese left, sprinkle it over and bake another few minutes till the cheese melts and bubbles.
Layering the dish
Scoop the beef mix into a big baking dish (go for 9x13 if you have one), sprinkle cheese over the top, then line up the tots. They don’t need to be in perfect rows—just get ‘em all in there in one layer.
Mixing it all up
Once your beef is browned, mix in bacon crumbles, black pepper, onion powder, some of the cheese, sour cream, a splash of milk, soup, and frozen corn. Stir till everything’s blended and smooth.
Start with the beef
Kick off by heating your oven to 375°F, then brown the beef in a big skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small bits as you go so nothing’s chunky.

I found that letting those tots bake till they're fully crispy is what really makes this dish work. The first time I tried, I didn’t give it enough time, and they ended up mushy. Now I always wait for that perfect golden color with the cheese all bubbly underneath before pulling it out.

Top Ways To Serve

This is filling enough on its own, but if you want to add something on the side, a crisp salad or steamed veggies are great. All the cheesy, creamy goodness goes perfectly with something fresh. For drinks, you can’t go wrong with iced tea, cold milk, or even a cold beer.

Easy Ways To Change It

Want to switch things up? Use peas or green beans instead of corn for a new twist. Toss in diced peppers or some mushrooms for extra flavor. And don’t be shy—try a different cheese like pepper jack for a kick or grab a spicy cheese blend for something fun.

Chilling And Warming Up

This meal keeps great in the fridge for a couple days and goes right back to crispy if you reheat it in the oven. If you notice the top browning too fast when reheating, just lay some foil over it. Freezes well too—let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Cowboy Casserole Save
Cowboy Casserole | homebitesbyana.com

Cowboy casserole turned into one of our most reliable dinners because you get cozy home-cooked vibes without any fuss. You just mix up stuff you’ve probably got sitting around, and somehow it all comes out way better than you’d expect. Best part? Everyone forgets their busy day for a while and just digs in together.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prep cowboy casserole in advance?
Definitely! Put it all together, then chill it in the fridge for up to a day. Just bake it an extra 10-15 minutes longer.
→ What can I use instead of tater tots?
Swap them out for mashed potatoes, crispy onions, or hash browns. Adjust the cook time if needed!
→ Can I freeze this dish?
You bet! Build it, freeze for up to three months, and bake while frozen. Add about 15-20 minutes and cover if it’s browning too fast.
→ How do I make this a healthier option?
Switch to turkey, skip some cheese, toss in colorful veggies like peppers, or use baked sweet potato rounds as a swap for tots.
→ What sides pair great with cowboy casserole?
A light green salad, some soft garlic bread, or even steamed veggies like broccoli work wonders. It’s pretty filling on its own though!

Cowboy Bake

Tasty ground beef dish topped with crispy tots, melty cheese, and a hint of corn and bacon for that cozy feeling.

Prep Time
10 min
Cooking Time
50 min
Total Time
60 min
By: Ana

Category: Lunch & Dinner

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yields: 6 Servings

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Protein & Base

01 Crumbled bacon, ½ cup cooked
02 Ground beef, ½ pound (85/15 lean)

→ Creamy Mixture

03 ¼ cup sour cream
04 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided in half
05 ⅓ cup full-fat milk
06 Corn kernels, 1 cup (well-drained canned or frozen)
07 ⅔ cup condensed mushroom soup

→ Seasonings & Topping

08 32 oz bag of frozen tater tots
09 1 tsp onion powder
10 ½ tsp black pepper, freshly cracked

Steps

Step 01

Set your oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch dish with butter or spray.

Step 02

Put a large pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart until there's no pink left. Once done, pour off any fat.

Step 03

In the skillet with the beef, toss in the bacon, cheddar cheese (save half for later), soup, corn, sour cream, black pepper, milk, and onion powder.

Step 04

Mix everything together in the skillet. Stir until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.

Step 05

Evenly spread the meat and cheese mixture across the bottom of your prepared dish.

Step 06

Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese on top. Lay the tater tots on in a neat, single layer to cover the surface.

Step 07

Pop it into the oven uncovered for about 40-45 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the top is golden and crispy and the edges are bubbling.

Step 08

Pull it out of the oven, sprinkle on the last bit of cheese, and bake another 5 minutes until it's gooey.

Step 09

Let it rest on the counter for 5 minutes to set. Dish it out hot for the ultimate comfort bite!

Notes

  1. Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Assemble it and freeze before baking. When baking from frozen, add an extra 15-20 minutes to cook time.
  2. Want a leaner option? Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken.
  3. Throw in chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for added crunch and spice.
  4. Leftovers can be reheated at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.

Required Equipment

  • A skillet that's large enough
  • A 9x13-inch casserole dish
  • Sturdy wooden spoon

Allergen Information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Dairy is included in the cheese, milk, and sour cream.
  • Condensed soup might have gluten.
  • Contains bacon, which is pork.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and don’t replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 593
  • Fat: 37 g
  • Carbs: 48 g
  • Protein: 20 g