Cowboy Casserole hamburger

Easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable, Cowboy Casserole has become a family favorite for good reason. With minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients, you can whip up a dish that’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your personal touch with extra veggies or spicy seasonings, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that delivers comfort with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures in one irresistible dish.
• Uses simple, everyday ingredients that are easy to find and affordable.
• A one-pan meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd.
• Customizable with different vegetables, cheeses, or spices to suit your taste.
• Great for make-ahead meals, as it reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings
• Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1½ cups)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 4g

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef Layer:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for flavor and moisture)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, and green beans work well)

For the Topping:

• 3 cups frozen tater tots
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef

1. Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
3. Season the Beef: Add salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Mix well to coat the beef with the seasonings. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce

4. Make the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
5. Add Vegetables: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the sauce.

Assemble the Casserole

6. Layer the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Pour the creamy vegetable sauce over the beef layer and smooth with a spatula.
7. Add Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the creamy layer.
8. Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the casserole.

Bake the Casserole

9. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
10. Add More Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve

11. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
12. Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

Ingredient Background

• Ground Beef: Provides the savory, hearty base for the casserole. An 80/20 blend offers the best balance of flavor and moisture.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the casserole. Cream of chicken soup works well as an alternative.
• Frozen Mixed Vegetables: A convenient way to incorporate a variety of vegetables, adding color, texture, and nutrients.
• Tater Tots: The signature topping of Cowboy Casserole, offering a crispy contrast to the creamy layers beneath.

Technique Tips

• Drain Excess Fat: If using higher-fat ground beef, be sure to drain the fat to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
• Even Layers: Spread each layer evenly to ensure a well-balanced casserole with consistent flavors in every bite.
• Crispy Tater Tots: For extra crispy tater tots, bake them separately for 10 minutes before adding them to the casserole.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Mini Casseroles: Divide the ingredients into ramekins or small baking dishes for individual servings.
• Layered Skillet: Prepare the casserole in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, one-pan meal.
• Tex-Mex Twist: Add black beans, diced jalapeños, and shredded pepper jack cheese for a southwestern-inspired variation.

Additional Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Vegetables: Replace frozen vegetables with fresh, diced carrots, peas, or green beans for added texture and flavor.
• Double the Cheese: Mix some shredded cheese into the creamy sauce for a cheesier casserole.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add the tater tots just before baking.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms, and use cream of celery soup.
• Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce to the ground beef mixture for a fiery kick.
• Breakfast Casserole: Use ground sausage instead of beef, add scrambled eggs, and swap tater tots with hash browns.
• BBQ Style: Stir barbecue sauce into the ground beef layer for a smoky flavor twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: Assemble the casserole without the tater tots, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding tater tots and baking.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Lean Protein: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef to reduce fat content.
• Low-Sodium Soup: Use a reduced-sodium cream soup to lower the overall salt level.
• Cauliflower Tots: Swap traditional tater tots with cauliflower-based tots for a lower-carb alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Game Day Spread: Serve alongside nachos, sliders, and chicken wings for a fun, casual gathering.
• Family Dinner: Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Potluck Hit: Bring to a potluck or holiday gathering—it’s always a crowd favorite.

Special Equipment

• Casserole Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for even cooking and easy serving.
• Skillet: A large skillet ensures the ground beef cooks evenly and allows for easy mixing of spices.
• Spatula: Useful for spreading the creamy layers evenly over the beef.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream soup, sour cream, and cheese substitutes for a dairy-free version.

2. How can I prevent the casserole from being watery?
Drain any excess fat from the ground beef, and ensure the vegetables are thawed and patted dry before adding them.

3. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or diced tomatoes make great additions.

4. How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cream soup and ensure the tater tots are certified gluten-free.

5. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Yes, sliced or diced fresh potatoes work well, but pre-cook them slightly before adding to the casserole.

6. Can I freeze the cooked casserole?
Yes, cool it completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.

7. How do I keep the tater tots crispy?
Bake the tots separately for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole.

8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in two separate dishes for larger gatherings.

Conclusion

Cowboy Casserole with Hamburger is the ultimate combination of creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures that makes it a comfort food classic. Whether you’re preparing a quick family dinner or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole is sure to impress. With layers of seasoned beef, creamy vegetables, and golden tater tots, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and customize. Try this recipe today for a hearty, delicious dish that everyone will love!

Cowboy Casserole hamburger

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Ground Beef Layer:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for flavor and moisture)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, and green beans work well)

For the Topping:

• 3 cups frozen tater tots
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef

1. Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
3. Season the Beef: Add salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Mix well to coat the beef with the seasonings. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce

4. Make the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
5. Add Vegetables: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the sauce.

Assemble the Casserole

6. Layer the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Pour the creamy vegetable sauce over the beef layer and smooth with a spatula.
7. Add Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the creamy layer.
8. Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the casserole.

Bake the Casserole

9. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
10. Add More Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve

11. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
12. Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1½ cups)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g