There’s something irresistibly comforting about a Cowboy Casserole—a hearty, flavorful dish packed with ground beef, creamy potatoes, melty cheese, and a crispy topping.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for a potluck, or just craving a cozy meal, this easy cowboy casserole recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its savory, cheesy goodness and minimal prep, it’s the perfect one-dish wonder for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Category: Comfort Food / One-Pan Meals
This Cowboy Casserole is rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor—think juicy ground beef, tender tater tots, gooey cheese, and a hint of smoky sweetness. It’s simple to make, requires basic ingredients, and delivers maximum comfort with every bite.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious cowboy casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 small onion, diced (adds sweetness and depth)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional, for extra texture)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (essential for savory flavor)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (creamy base)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cheddar cheese soup (for extra cheesiness)
- 1 cup sour cream (adds tang and richness)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots (the crispy crown!)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (for a hint of smokiness)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (boosts umami flavor)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Why These Ingredients Work
- Ground beef provides a hearty, meaty base.
- Creamy soups & sour cream create a luscious, cohesive filling.
- Tater tots crisp up beautifully, adding texture.
- Smoked paprika & Worcestershire enhance the savory depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Beef & Veggies
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add onion, bell pepper (if using), and garlic, cooking until softened (about 5 min).
- Drain excess grease, then stir in cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, Worcestershire, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Layer the Casserole
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- For extra cheesiness, sprinkle additional cheese in the last 5 minutes of baking.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
Tips for Success
✔ Use lean beef (but not too lean—some fat adds flavor).
✔ Thaw tater tots slightly for extra crispiness.
✔ Add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
✔ Cover with foil if the tots brown too quickly.
Serving Suggestions
This Cowboy Casserole is a meal on its own, but pair it with:
- A fresh green salad for balance.
- Buttery cornbread or dinner rolls.
- Pickled jalapeños for heat lovers.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Reheat: Cover with foil and warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works, but add extra seasoning for flavor.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed (add 5-10 extra minutes if cold).
What can I substitute for tater tots?
Try hash browns, crushed potato chips, or even biscuits for a twist.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—easy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping, it’s a foolproof favorite that never disappoints. Give it a try, and don’t forget to tag me on social media with your delicious results!
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Craving the comforting flavors of stuffed bell peppers without the fuss? This stuffed bell pepper casserole delivers all the savory, cheesy goodness you love in a simple, one-dish meal. Bursting with vibrant bell peppers, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Easy to prep and endlessly customizable, this recipe will become a family favorite. Let’s get cooking and fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef: Adds hearty, savory flavor; lean beef reduces excess grease.
- 3 large bell peppers (red, yellow, green), diced: Provides sweet, colorful crunch; use fresh for best texture.
- 1 cup (185g) uncooked long-grain white rice: Absorbs flavors and adds heartiness; rinse to remove excess starch.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Enhances savory depth with a subtle sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts flavor with aromatic warmth.
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained: Adds tangy, juicy notes without excess liquid.
- 1 cup (240ml) beef or chicken broth: Keeps the casserole moist and infuses flavor.
- 1 tbsp tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavor for a rich base.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Blends herbs for a balanced, savory taste.
- ½ tsp smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth.
- 1 ½ cups (150g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Melts into gooey, golden perfection.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing, ensuring even cooking.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all flavors; adjust to preference.
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, vibrant garnish.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the rice. In a medium saucepan, cook rice according to package instructions, using broth instead of water for extra flavor. Set aside.
- Sauté the beef and veggies. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat. Add onion, garlic, and diced bell peppers, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add seasonings and tomatoes. Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant, letting the flavors meld.
- Combine ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, beef-vegetable mixture, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir until evenly combined.
- Assemble the casserole. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheese on top for a golden, bubbly finish.
- Bake. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
- Garnish and serve. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Notes
Note: Fresh bell peppers and high-quality cheese elevate the dish’s flavor and texture.