Cowboy Casserole Ground Beef

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes

This cowboy casserole is the ultimate one-pan comfort dish, combining seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, creamy sauce, smoky bacon, and crispy golden tater tots. Everything bakes together in one dish for easy cleanup and maximum flavor. It’s a family favorite that pleases picky eaters and comfort food lovers alike. Whether you're making it ahead or diving in right after baking, it delivers on both taste and convenience.

Authored By Tyla
Updated on Wed, 04 Jun 2025 14:34:16 GMT
Une casserole de cowboy avec des pommes de terre, des cornichons et des chili. Save
Une casserole de cowboy avec des pommes de terre, des cornichons et des chili. | savorieswithtyla.com

Classic comfort food casserole with seasoned ground beef, corn, cheese, and bacon topped with crispy tater tots. Takes 1 hour and feeds 6 people. This casserole came about when I was trying to figure out what to make for dinner using a bunch of random ingredients I had sitting around - ground beef that needed to be used, a bag of tater tots my kids had been asking me to cook, and some leftover corn. I thought, what if I just layered everything together and baked it? The name "cowboy casserole" just seemed to fit because it's hearty, no-nonsense comfort food that feels like something you'd eat around a campfire. The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and golden tater tots creates this incredible comfort food experience that makes everyone feel satisfied.

My brother-in-law, who's pretty picky about casseroles, tried this at our last family gathering and went back for thirds. He kept saying it reminded him of the best diner food but homemade. My kids get excited when I tell them we're having "cowboy casserole" because they know it means crispy tater tots on top. Even my health-conscious sister admits this is worth the indulgence.

Master Your Ingredients

  • Ground beef: I use 85/15 because you need some fat for flavor but not so much it gets greasy.
  • Frozen corn: Adds sweetness and color that brightens up the whole dish.
  • Cream of mushroom soup: Creates that creamy base that holds everything together.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: Used both in the mixture and on top for maximum cheese factor.
  • Crispy bacon: Because everything's better with bacon, and it adds that smoky flavor.

Creating Your Perfect Cowboy Casserole

Beef Browning:
Cook your ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks until there's no pink remaining. Don't drain all the fat because you want some of that flavor, but get rid of any excess so it's not greasy. This forms the savory base.
Mixture Creation:
Add the corn, cream of mushroom soup, half a cup of the cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, onion powder, black pepper, and crumbled bacon to the skillet with the beef. Mix everything together until it's well combined and creamy. This brings together all the rich flavors.
Layering Process:
Spread the beef mixture evenly in a 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheese over the beef mixture, then arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top. Don't overlap them because you want each one to get crispy. Proper layering ensures even cooking and crispiness.
Baking Time:
Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. The edges should be bubbling and the tots should look perfectly cooked. This is where the magic happens, transforming the tots into a golden crown.
Final Cheese Layer:
Sprinkle any remaining cheese over the top and bake for another 5 minutes until it's melted and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so it has time to set up slightly. This creates a beautiful, gooey finish and allows the casserole to firm up for easier serving.
Une casserole de cowboy avec des pommes de terre, des tacos et des légumes. Save
Une casserole de cowboy avec des pommes de terre, des tacos et des légumes. | savorieswithtyla.com

I learned the tater tot lesson after piling them on carelessly and having some stay frozen while others got overcooked. Taking time to arrange them properly makes such a difference in the final result. Also, I used to serve it immediately and it would be soupy instead of holding together nicely.

Creative Variations

Try different vegetables like diced bell peppers or green beans instead of corn. You could use different soups like cream of chicken or cheddar cheese soup for variety. For spice lovers, add some diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese. I've also made this with ground turkey when that's what I had on hand.

Une casserole de cowboy avec des tacos et des pommes de terre. Save
Une casserole de cowboy avec des tacos et des pommes de terre. | savorieswithtyla.com

Storage Solutions

This keeps really well in the fridge for about 4 days and reheats beautifully in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through. The tater tots lose some crispiness when reheated, but it still tastes great. You can assemble it completely and refrigerate before baking, then just add extra cooking time.

This cowboy casserole has become one of our most requested comfort food dinners because it delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort. It proves that sometimes the best family meals are the simple ones that use familiar ingredients in satisfying combinations. Every time I make it, I'm reminded that comfort food doesn't need to be complicated to be completely delicious and filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it completely and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time.

→ What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
Cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup work great. You could also make your own white sauce with butter, flour, and milk.

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork work well in this recipe. Just cook it the same way until browned.

→ How do I know when the casserole is done?
The tater tots should be golden brown and crispy on top, and the casserole should be bubbling around the edges after 40-45 minutes.

→ Can I freeze leftover cowboy casserole?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until heated through.

Recipe Questions

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it completely and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time.

→ What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup instead. A homemade white sauce with butter, flour, and milk also works well.

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used in place of beef. Cook it thoroughly and season as needed.

→ How do I know when the casserole is done?

Look for bubbling edges and golden brown, crispy tater tots on top. This usually takes 40–45 minutes at 375°F.

→ Can I freeze leftover cowboy casserole?

Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

→ Should I thaw the tater tots first?

No, use them straight from the freezer. Thawed tots can become soggy and won’t crisp up as nicely during baking.

Cowboy Casserole Ground Beef

Comforting casserole with beef, bacon, and crispy tater tots. Feeds six and ready in about an hour.

Prep Duration
15 mins
Cooking Duration
45 mins
Overall Time
60 mins
Authored By: Tyla

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Type: American

Serves: 6 Portions

Diet Preferences: ~

What You Need

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio)
02 2 cups frozen corn kernels
03 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
04 1/2 cup milk
05 1/2 cup sour cream
06 1 teaspoon onion powder
07 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
08 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
09 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
10 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots

How to Make It

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat, leaving a small amount for flavor.

Step 02

Add corn, cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, onion powder, black pepper, and crumbled bacon to the beef. Stir until fully combined and creamy.

Step 03

Transfer the beef mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top.

Step 04

Arrange tater tots in a single, even layer over the beef and cheese mixture without overlapping.

Step 05

Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40 to 45 minutes, until tater tots are golden and casserole is bubbling at the edges.

Step 06

Sprinkle any remaining cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted and bubbly. Let rest for several minutes before serving.

Important Notes

  1. Do not thaw tater tots; use them straight from the freezer for best crispiness.
  2. Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it firm up for easier serving.
  3. Draining all fat from the beef can reduce flavor—leave a small amount for richness.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Oven

Allergy Details

Always check the ingredients for allergens and consult an expert if necessary.
  • Contains dairy (cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup)
  • Contains gluten (cream of mushroom soup may contain wheat)

Nutritional Details (Each Serving)

This nutrition info is for reference only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Calorie Count: 560
  • Total Fat: 35 grams
  • Total Carbs: 32 grams
  • Protein Content: 24 grams