If you're searching for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that combines comfort and flavor, look no further than the Cheesy Tater Tot Cowboy Casserole! This mouthwatering recipe is perfect for family dinners or potlucks, featuring layers of savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy tater tots, all topped with melty cheddar cheese. With just a little prep time and a short bake in the oven, you'll have a delicious meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to impress your guests with this easy-to-make casserole that’s sure to become a new favorite!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag tater tots
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Thoroughly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains and the meat is fully cooked, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef using a colander. Return the meat to the skillet.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables to the beef, stirring to combine. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly.
- Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the beef and vegetable mixture, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the cheese and beef mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the tater tots.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, portioning out approximately 1 cup per serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out the frozen mixed vegetables for your favorites, such as corn, peas, or bell peppers, to add your personal touch to the dish.
- Brown the Beef Well: Make sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly for added flavor. A nice sear will enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: If possible, use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more robust flavor. Just mince a clove or two and sauté it with the beef.
- Crispy Tater Tots: For extra crispy tater tots, try baking them for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole. This ensures a delightful crunch on top!
- Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps it set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top before serving adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble it, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 213kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 43mg
