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Cowboy Casserole - with Tater Tots

Published: Jul 8, 2025 by Alexis · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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This Cowboy Casserole is the kind of stick-to-your-ribs dinner that’ll keep your crew full and happy. Made with seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tot topping, it’s a no-fuss weeknight favorite.

cowboy casserole with a crispy tater tot topping

Got a pound of ground beef and some tater tots? Then you’ve got supper!

This easy casserole comes together quick and fills up the whole crew with cheesy, meaty goodness.

Ingredients:

ingredients for cowboy casserole
  • ground beef - ground venison is also great in this recipe!
  • tater tots - I used ¾ of a 32oz bag
  • cream of mushroom soup - sub milk if you’d like
  • red bell pepper - use celery if your family likes it better!
  • yellow onion & garlic - you can use powdered
  • frozen corn - canned or fresh
  • shredded cheese - I used cheddar and mozzerlla but any shredded cheese will work
  • broth - chicken or beef
  • milk - *not pictured* thins the sauce and adds more creaminess

How to Make Cowboy Casserole with Tater Tots

  • Sauté diced onions and bell peppers in oil over medium-high heat until softened.
diced onion and red bell pepper
  • Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into large chunks as it cooks.
browned ground beef with onions in a black cast iron skillet
  • Add corn, mushroom soup, and minced garlic, stir to combine.
frozen corn and can of mushroom soup on seasoned ground beef
  • Add broth and milk and simmer for 2-3 minutes then turn off heat.
cast iron skillet filled with a creamy meat mixture
  • Sprinkle on a layer of cheese.
cheese topping on a creamy beef mixture
  • Top with tater tots and bake at 425 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
tater tot topping on a cowboy casserole skillet
  • Let the casserole cool 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
browned tater tot topping on a cowboy casserole

Tips:

  • When layering the tater tots, start at the outer edge of the pan and work your way toward the center.
  • If your family doesn’t like red bell peppers, substitute with celery—it’s delicious in this dish!
  • If the tater tots aren’t browned to your liking, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes.
Cowboy casserole with tater tot topping

If you like this easy ground beef casserole, try out my Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole too!

cowboy casserole in a cast iron skillet

Cowboy Casserole with Tater Tots

Alexis
Hearty, cheesy, and loaded with beef, this Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for hungry cowboys.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • 1 12 inch cast iron skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoon neutral oil
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ red bell pepper diced
  • ½ medium onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup corn frozen or canned
  • 1 10 oz can condensed mushroom soup
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 cup stock beef or chicken
  • 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
  • salt + pepper too taste
  • 1 ¼ cup grated cheese
  • ¾ 32 oz bag frozen tater tots

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Sauté diced onions and bell peppers in oil over medium-high heat until softened.
  • Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into large chunks as it cooks.
  • Add corn, condensed mushroom soup, and minced garlic, stir to combine.
  • Add broth and milk and simmer for 2-3 minutes then turn off heat.
  • Sprinkle on an even layer of cheese.
  • Top with tater tots, starting at the outer edge of the pan and working your way toward the center. Bake at 425 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Notes

  • If your family doesn’t like red bell peppers, substitute with celery—it’s delicious in this dish!
  • If the tater tots aren’t browned to your liking, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes.
Keyword casserole, ground beef dinner

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Alexis smiling in her kitchen

Howdy! I’m Alexis

I specialize in easy to make beef dishes that are fit for hungry cowboys.

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