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Cozy Cowboy Casserole Recipe with Crispy Tater Tots

cowboy casserole - featured image

A comforting casserole featuring seasoned beef, creamy sauce, mixed vegetables, gooey cheese, and crispy tater tots, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 yellow onion, diced finely
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional seasonings: paprika, onion powder, chili powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
  3. Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and optional seasonings like paprika or onion powder. Stir until smooth.
  5. Fold in the frozen mixed vegetables and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well to combine.
  6. Add the cooked ground beef and onion mixture to the bowl and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
  7. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the casserole mixture.
  9. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, ensuring they cover the entire surface.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
  11. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

[‘Don’t skimp on the cheese for maximum flavor.’, ‘Keep the tater tots frozen to ensure crispiness.’, ‘Taste the filling before baking and adjust seasoning as needed.’, ‘Customize the vegetables or add spices for variations.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy casserole, tater tots casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal