INTRODUCTION
Cowboy Casserole Tater Tots is a delightful dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. This comforting recipe combines savory ground beef, creamy soup, crisp bacon, and cheesy topped tater tots. It is a perfect meal for family gatherings, busy weeknights, or even potlucks. Everyone will love the hearty flavors and the crispy topping of this casserole, making it a hit at any table.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will adore Cowboy Casserole Tater Tots for many reasons. First, it is super easy to make. With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, you can put it together in no time. Second, the flavor is absolutely delicious. The combination of beef, cheese, and tater tots never fails to satisfy. Third, it is a crowd-pleaser! Whether you have kids or adults, everyone enjoys this dish. Lastly, it is versatile! You can swap ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs.
HOW TO MAKE Cowboy Casserole Tater Tots
Creating this fun casserole is simple and rewarding. You will gather your ingredients and follow some easy steps to get a warm dish on your table.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make Cowboy Casserole Tater Tots, you will need a few tools:
- A large skillet
- A 23×33 cm baking pan
- A spatula
- An oven
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 120 grams bacon, cooked and broken into pieces
- 60 millilitres sour cream
- 225 grams ground beef (85/15 fat content)
- 80 millilitres whole milk
- 120 grams sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and kept separate
- 900 grams frozen tater tots
- 160 grams corn kernels
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 160 grams mushroom soup, condensed
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Turn your oven to 190°C first. Then, rub a little oil or butter on a 23×33 cm pan so food won’t stick.
- Heat a big skillet on medium, drop in the beef, and use a spatula to break it up. Keep cooking until it’s all brown.
- Toss in corn, half your cheddar, the mushroom soup, all the milk, black pepper, bacon, sour cream, and onion powder with the beef. Mix it really well, making it smooth.
- Pour your beef mixture into the pan and smooth it out. Scatter the rest of the cheese over the top. Lay out frozen tater tots in one even layer on top—make sure they cover the whole thing.
- Put the dish uncovered into your oven. Let it cook for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the tots look crispy and golden.
- Take it out, sprinkle on the last bit of cheese over the hot tater tots, and give it another 5 minutes in the oven so the cheese melts nicely.
HOW TO SERVE Cowboy Casserole Tater Tots
Cowboy Casserole Tater Tots shines when served hot. Use a large spoon to scoop out portions onto plates or bowls. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or fresh vegetables to balance the richness. You can also serve it with some hot sauce for an extra kick.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Cowboy Casserole Tater Tots
Storing leftovers of Cowboy Casserole Tater Tots is easy. Allow the dish to cool down completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep the casserole in the fridge for up to three days. If you wish to freeze it, make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen, it will last for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it safely in the fridge overnight and warm it up in the oven.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
To elevate your Cowboy Casserole Tater Tots, consider these serving suggestions:
- Add a fresh sprinkle of green onions on top for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve with a side of salsa or guacamole for a fun twist.
- Pair with a creamy coleslaw for crunch and contrast.
- Include a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
VARIATIONS
You can easily make Cowboy Casserole Tater Tots your own by trying some variations:
- Use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a leaner option.
- Swap out tater tots for frozen hash browns if you prefer.
- Add other vegetables, like bell peppers or peas, for extra nutrition.
- Use different cheeses based on your taste, such as mozzarella or pepper jack.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables. Just ensure they are cooked before adding them to the beef mixture.
2. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or cook it and freeze leftovers for later.
3. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients with alternatives, like almond milk and vegan cheese.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Cowboy Casserole Tater Tots
Making Cowboy Casserole Tater Tots ahead of time is simple and convenient. You can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. On the day you want to serve it, you just need to layer the mixture with tater tots and cheese, then bake it. This makes dinner planning much easier! Additionally, you can assemble the entire dish and cover it tightly, then refrigerate it overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to bake time to ensure it’s heated through.
With these tips, you can enjoy a homemade Cowboy Casserole Tater Tots any night of the week with little fuss. Happy cooking!
Cowboy Casserole Tater Tots
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and grease a 23x33 cm baking pan.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
- Add corn, half of the cheddar cheese, mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, bacon, sour cream, and onion powder to the skillet. Mix well until smooth.
- Pour the beef mixture into the greased pan and smooth out. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Layer frozen tater tots evenly on top of the beef and cheese mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, until the tater tots are crispy and golden.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with additional cheese, and return to oven for 5 more minutes until cheese is melted.