Description

Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dinner that combines seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, sweet corn, melted cheddar cheese, and a crispy golden layer of tater tots on top. This hearty, family-friendly meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something filling, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to please both kids and adults.

Inspired by classic American casseroles, this dish is simple to prepare and uses everyday pantry staples. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a warm, satisfying dinner baking in the oven. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, Cowboy Casserole is always a winning choice.

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup diced onion (about 1 medium onion)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and chiles
¼ cup milk
¾ cup sour cream
1 ½ cups frozen corn
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 (30-ounce) bag frozen tater tots

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a large 14-inch skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef for 5–6 minutes until nearly browned.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until softened. Drain excess grease.
Reduce heat to medium. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, diced tomatoes and chiles, milk, and sour cream until well combined.
Add frozen corn and mix thoroughly.
Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 3-quart baking dish (or use an oven-safe skillet).
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Arrange frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the cheese.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve Cowboy Casserole hot with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. For extra flavor, top with sliced green onions, chopped parsley, or a dollop of sour cream.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the tater tots crispy, or microwave for a quick option. This casserole can also be frozen before or after baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.