Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole

Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. Featuring a creamy ground beef mixture, sweet cream corn, and a crispy tater tot topping, this dish is both satisfying and easy to make. Bursting with cheesy goodness, it’s a family favorite that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this hearty casserole on the table in just under an hour.

Ingredients

• 32 oz. frozen tater tots
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 15.5 oz. cream corn
• 10.75 oz. can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 tablespoon Montreal Steak Seasoning
• 2 cups colby jack cheese
• Non-stick cooking spray (for greasing the dish)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat.
4. Add diced onion and Montreal Steak Seasoning to the skillet; sauté for 3 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to medium and stir in cream of mushroom soup and cream corn. Simmer 2-4 minutes to combine flavors.
6. Pour the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish.
7. Sprinkle half of the colby jack cheese over the meat mixture.
8. Spread tater tots in a single layer over the casserole.
9. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top of tater tots.
10. Bake for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
11. Optional: Broil for 3-5 minutes for a golden, crispy topping—watch closely to prevent burning.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve warm with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Perfect for potlucks or family dinners.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
• Freezing: Assemble the casserole (without baking) and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from the freezer at 375°F for 45-50 minutes.

Variations

1. Bacon Lover’s Cowboy Casserole: Add 6 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon to the meat mixture.
2. Spicy Cowboy Casserole: Mix in 1 diced jalapeño and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
3. Veggie Packed: Add 1 cup chopped bell peppers and 1 cup corn kernels to the filling.
4. Cheddar Explosion: Replace colby jack with sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger flavor.
5. BBQ Twist: Stir in ½ cup BBQ sauce with the ground beef mixture.
6. Mushroom Delight: Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms sautéed with onions.
7. Sausage Cowboy Casserole: Replace half the beef with breakfast sausage for a savory kick.
8. Creamy Ranch: Stir in 1 packet of ranch seasoning into the soup mixture.
9. Taco Style: Add 1 teaspoon chili powder and top with crushed tortilla chips instead of tater tots.
10. Loaded Potato: Add ½ cup sour cream and chopped green onions to the meat mixture.
11. Italian Cowboy Casserole: Use mozzarella cheese and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
12. Buffalo Flavor: Mix in ¼ cup buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles.
13. Sweet Corn Twist: Use creamed corn and sprinkle a touch of paprika over the top.
14. Cheesy Veggie: Add 1 cup steamed broccoli or cauliflower for added nutrition.
15. Slow Cooker Version: Assemble all ingredients (except tater tots and cheese) in a slow cooker. Cook on low 4-5 hours, top with tater tots and cheese, then broil 5 minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh tater tots instead of frozen?
   Yes, but frozen tater tots give a crispier top layer.
2. Can this recipe be made ahead?
   Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
3. Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?
   Absolutely, it works well and reduces fat content.
4. How do I make it gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify tater tots are gluten-free.
5. Can I add more vegetables?
   Yes, bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli make it more nutritious.
6. Can I freeze the baked casserole?
   It’s better to freeze unbaked casserole for best texture.
7. How do I reheat leftovers?
   Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warm.
8. Can I make it spicier?
   Add jalapeños, cayenne, or hot sauce to taste.
9. Can I use shredded cheddar instead of colby jack?
   Yes, cheddar or even a Mexican blend works perfectly.
10. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
    Yes, it’s cheesy, creamy, and generally a hit with kids and adults alike.

Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or potlucks. Its creamy ground beef filling, combined with sweet cream corn and a crispy tater tot topping, makes it a meal everyone will love. Easy to prepare and fully customizable with vegetables, spices, or different cheeses, this casserole is as versatile as it is delicious. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a warm, satisfying dinner on the table in under an hour. Serve it fresh from the oven, enjoy leftovers the next day, or prepare it ahead for a stress-free meal—Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Print