Cowboy Casserole Tater Tots

Absolutely! Here’s a hearty, detailed recipe for Cowboy Casserole with Tater Tots — a comforting, creamy, cheesy, meaty casserole that’s topped with golden, crispy tater tots. It’s a family favorite that’s easy to make and great for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead.

🤠 Cowboy Casserole with Tater Tots (Serves 6–8)

⏰ Total Time:

• Prep time: 15–20 minutes
• Cook time: 40–45 minutes
• Total: ~1 hour

📝 Ingredients

🥩 Meat & Veggies:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for a Southwestern kick)

🧄 Creamy Filling:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

🥔 Topping:

• 1 (28–32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
• Optional: extra cheese or bacon bits on top

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Preheat & Prep

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

🥘 Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook:
   
   • Ground beef
   • Diced onion
   • Garlic
   • Salt, pepper, paprika, and optional seasonings
3. Break up the meat and sauté until fully browned and onions are soft (about 7–8 minutes).
4. Drain excess grease.

🧀 Step 3: Make the Creamy Mixture

1. Reduce heat to low and stir in:
   
   • Cream of mushroom soup
   • Sour cream
   • Milk
   • Corn
   • Optional green onions
   • 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese
3. Stir until well combined and heated through (2–3 minutes).

🧱 Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Pour the beef and creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish.
2. Smooth out evenly with a spatula.
3. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
   
   • You can align them in neat rows or scatter them — your choice!
5. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar on top of the tater tots.

📝 Optional: Add cooked crumbled bacon or jalapeño slices for extra flavor.

🔥 Step 5: Bake

• Bake uncovered at 375°F for 35–40 minutes, or until:
  
  • Tater tots are golden and crispy
  • Filling is bubbly around the edges

🧀 Optional: Broil the last 2–3 minutes for extra crispy top — watch carefully!

🌿 Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Let cool for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with:

• Chopped parsley or green onions
• Crumbled bacon or hot sauce drizzle (optional)

Serve hot and enjoy that creamy, crunchy, cheesy bite!

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pair with:

• A crisp green salad or coleslaw
• Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
• Pickles or jalapeños for a tangy contrast

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Store:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat:

• Oven: 350°F for 20–25 minutes (best for crispiness)
• Microwave: 1–2 minutes per serving
• Air fryer: 350°F for 5–6 minutes to re-crisp the top

🔄 Variations

🐖 Meat Swaps:

• Ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or pulled pork
• Try a combo of bacon + beef for bold cowboy flavor

🧀 Cheese Options:

• Pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or Colby blend
• Add Velveeta for extra creaminess

🌶️ Spice It Up:

• Add diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, or taco seasoning
• Mix in a can of diced green chiles

🧄 From-Scratch Version:

• Replace cream of soup with a homemade roux (butter + flour + milk + broth + sautéed mushrooms)

🥣 Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips

Make Ahead (1–2 Days in Advance):

• Assemble the casserole (uncooked)
• Cover tightly and refrigerate
• Bake as directed, adding 5–10 extra minutes to cook time if chilled

Freeze (Up to 2 Months):

• Assemble in a disposable pan, wrap tightly with foil
• Label and freeze
• To bake from frozen: cover with foil, bake at 375°F for 45 mins, then uncover and bake 20 more mins until golden

Want a vegetarian version, a low-carb twist (with cauliflower tots), or a Tex-Mex variant? Just let me know and I’ll customize it for you!