Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with hearty beef, creamy sauce, and topped with crispy tater tots. This easy, family-friendly dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. With layers of seasoned ground beef, corn, cheese, and a crunchy topping, every bite is pure comfort.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – Minimal prep and simple ingredients make this a weeknight winner.
- Crowd-pleaser – A hit with kids and adults alike!
- Hearty and filling – Packed with protein and cheesy goodness.
- Customizable – Swap the protein, add veggies, or spice it up!
Ingredients Cowboy Casserole
Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Ground beef – The hearty base of this casserole, seasoned to perfection.
- Onion & garlic – Adds depth and richness to the beef mixture.
- Cream of mushroom soup – Provides the creamy, savory sauce that binds everything together.
- Milk – Helps thin out the soup for a smooth consistency.
- Frozen corn – Adds a touch of sweetness and texture.
- Shredded cheese – Melty, gooey goodness that ties the flavors together.
- Tater tots – The crispy, golden topping that makes this dish irresistible.
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, and optional chili powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
How to Make Cowboy Casserole
1. Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Drain excess grease.
2. Prepare the Sauce
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, frozen corn, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until well combined.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish and spread the beef mixture evenly on the bottom. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the top.
4. Add the Tater Tots
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef and cheese mixture. This will create that deliciously crispy topping.
5. Bake and Serve
Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and bake for another 5 minutes until melted. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Cowboy Casserole
- Use lean ground beef to prevent excess grease in the dish.
- For extra flavor, add Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture.
- Make it spicy by adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Layer cheese under and over the tater tots for ultimate cheesiness.
How to Serve Cowboy Casserole
Cowboy Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with:
- A crisp side salad for balance.
- Steamed green beans or roasted veggies.
- A dollop of sour cream or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make ahead – Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Storage – Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
FAQs Cowboy Casserole
What is a cowboy casserole?
Cowboy casserole is a hearty, comforting dish typically made with ground beef, corn, cheese, and a creamy sauce, all topped with crispy tater tots. It’s a popular family-friendly meal that’s easy to make and packed with rich, savory flavors.
Why is it called John Wayne casserole?
John Wayne casserole is named after the legendary Western actor John Wayne. The recipe originated from a cookbook featuring dishes contributed by celebrities, and this hearty, Southwestern-style casserole, loaded with cheese, ground beef, and peppers, became a fan favorite.
What goes with cowboy casserole for dinner?
Cowboy casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad, roasted or grilled vegetables, cornbread, or a side of baked beans. A refreshing coleslaw or pickles can also balance the richness of the dish.
What is a typical cowboy dinner?
A traditional cowboy dinner often includes hearty, filling dishes like chili, cornbread, beans, steak, stew, or a Dutch oven-cooked meal over an open fire. Cast-iron cooking and simple, rustic ingredients are key.
What food to make for a cowboy party?
For a cowboy-themed party, serve dishes like BBQ ribs, pulled pork, smoked brisket, baked beans, cornbread, cowboy caviar, grilled corn, and peach cobbler. Drinks like sarsaparilla, sweet tea, or lemonade complete the Western vibe.
What do cowboys call eggs?
Cowboys often refer to eggs as “hen fruit” or “cackleberries” in old Western slang.
What is real cowboy food?
Real cowboy food consists of simple, hearty meals that could be cooked over a campfire, such as beans, sourdough biscuits, bacon, jerky, coffee, and stews. Chuckwagon cooking often relied on preserved or easily transportable ingredients.
What is the cowboy breakfast?
A cowboy breakfast typically includes eggs, bacon, biscuits, and gravy, along with strong black coffee. In Texas, “migas” (scrambled eggs with tortillas, cheese, and peppers) are also a cowboy favorite.
What is a cowboy lunch?
A cowboy lunch might include beef jerky, dried fruit, hardtack, biscuits, or a simple stew. When on the trail, cowboys often relied on foods that were easy to carry and didn’t spoil quickly.
What is the cowboy slang for dinner?
Cowboys often called dinner “supper” or referred to it as “chuck” or “grub.” The chuckwagon, used on cattle drives, was the mobile kitchen that served meals to cowboys.
What did cowboys really eat on the trail?
On the trail, cowboys ate beans, salted meat, hardtack (a hard biscuit), coffee, and dried fruit. If fresh ingredients were available, they might cook stews or fry up some bacon and biscuits in a cast-iron skillet.
Final Thoughts on Cowboy Food
Cowboy cuisine is all about hearty, simple, and flavorful meals that fueled hardworking ranchers and trail riders. From classic casseroles and fire-cooked stews to biscuits, beans, and smoky BBQ, these dishes capture the rugged spirit of the Old West. Whether you’re planning a cowboy-themed party, craving comfort food, or just curious about what cowboys really ate, these rustic meals bring a taste of frontier life to your table. So, grab your cast-iron skillet, brew a strong cup of coffee, and enjoy some good owl cowboy grub!.
Cowboy Casserole
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Skillet
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen corn
Topping
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is browned. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, frozen corn, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the top.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef and cheese mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and bake for another 5 minutes until melted. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
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