Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole

Looking for a dish that combines hearty flavors, cheesy goodness, and a one-pan cleanup? Say hello to Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole! This dish is everything you want in a comforting casserole, with layers of savory ground beef, sweet corn, crispy tater tots, and, of course, a generous amount of melted cheese. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, and it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or getting the whole family to the dinner table with smiles on their faces. Trust me, you’re going to love this one-pot wonder—less mess, maximum flavor!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole

Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with ground beef, veggies, and potatoes, this casserole is a full meal that will fill you up and leave you craving more.
One-Pot Wonder: This recipe is as easy as it gets. Everything cooks together in one pot, meaning less time spent cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal.
Cheesy Perfection: The melted cheese on top is the best part. Every bite is gooey and cheesy, with just the right amount of crisp from the tater tots.
Comfort Food: This casserole has all the elements of classic comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and hearty, with a nice balance of savory flavors.
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist the combination of tater tots and cheese. It’s a guaranteed hit with the whole family!

Ingredients in Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole

Ground Beef: The base of the dish, ground beef gives this casserole its savory heartiness.
Tater Tots: These crispy little gems are the perfect topping, adding texture and flavor to each bite.
Corn: Sweet corn brings a pop of color and a nice sweetness to balance the savory beef.
Cheddar Cheese: A generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese makes the casserole creamy and irresistible.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This canned soup adds creaminess and depth to the casserole.
Green Bell Pepper: For a bit of crunch and flavor.
Onion: A must for adding depth and savory notes to the dish.
Garlic: For an extra hit of flavor and aroma.
Milk: To thin out the cream of mushroom soup and make the casserole nice and creamy.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika or chili powder for a bit of extra flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the Soup and Milk: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk, mixing until everything is well combined. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika or chili powder for extra flavor.
Mix in the Corn: Add the corn and stir it into the beef mixture.
Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the casserole in a single layer.
Bake: Place the skillet or casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
Add the Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return it to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions if desired, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 20g
Calcium: 25% DV
Iron: 15% DV
Potassium: 350mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole

With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to mop up any delicious bits left on the plate.
Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli or green beans would complement the casserole’s flavors and add some extra nutrition.
Topped with Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the rich casserole.
With Pickles: A few pickle slices on the side add a nice, tangy crunch.

Additional Tips

Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap out the bell pepper for mushrooms, peas, or any other vegetable you like.
Use Frozen Veggies: If you don’t have fresh vegetables on hand, frozen corn and peppers work just as well.
Add Bacon: For an extra savory punch, toss in some crumbled cooked bacon with the ground beef.
Make It Spicy: If you like heat, add a chopped jalapeño or some hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Use Ground Turkey: For a leaner option, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prepare it up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, bake as directed.

Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A2: Absolutely! You can swap the cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any cheese you like. Each will bring a unique flavor to the casserole.

Q3: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A3: Unfortunately, the tater tots used in this recipe typically contain gluten. However, you can substitute with gluten-free tater tots or potato wedges for a gluten-free version.

Q4: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A4: Yes! You can freeze leftover casserole for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.

Q5: How can I make this casserole spicier?
A5: Add some chili powder, paprika, or a few chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture for an extra kick.

Q6: Can I use a different type of soup?
A6: Yes! If you prefer, you can use cream of chicken soup or even a cheese soup for a different flavor profile.

Q7: Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
A7: Definitely! Ground chicken or turkey can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef without sacrificing flavor.

Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Q9: Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
A9: Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies on the stove, then transfer them to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Add the tater tots and cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Q10: Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
A10: Yes! Fresh corn is a great substitute for canned corn. Just be sure to cook it a bit beforehand if it’s not already cooked.

Conclusion

This Cheesy One Pot Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that everyone will love. It’s easy to make, packed with flavors, and has the perfect combination of cheesy, savory, and crispy textures. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a casual dinner, this casserole will be a hit. Give it a try, and enjoy the cozy, cheesy goodness that this dish brings to the table!

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