Easy Cowboy Casserole: A One-Pan Dinner Favorite

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting, and easy-to-make dinner, this Easy Cowboy Casserole recipe is your new weeknight best friend. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm hug after a long day—cheesy, crispy, meaty, and packed with flavor in every bite.

This recipe has its roots in the Midwest, often known as a Tater Tot Casserole or Hot Dish, but what gives it that cowboy twist? The bold, no-fuss ingredients and stick-to-your-ribs nature make it the perfect dish for anyone with a hungry household.

Want to make sure your casserole is both tasty and safe to eat? Be sure to cook your ground beef to the safe minimum internal temperature as recommended by the USDA.

And if you’re using a cast iron skillet for that rustic finish, brush up on your skills with these cast iron cooking tips from the experts at Lodge. You’ll want that golden crust on your tater tots to be perfectly crispy.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to whip up this easy cowboy casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 tsp each of paprika, onion powder, and dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp salt and pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 can (10 oz) of corn, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) of cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (or cheddar)
• 30 oz bag of frozen crispy crowns or tater tots

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Base

• In a deep, oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat.
• Drain the excess grease.
• Stir in garlic, paprika, parsley, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Mix the Filling

• Add Worcestershire sauce, corn, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream.
• Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheese and mix thoroughly until the filling is creamy.

3. Assemble & Bake

• Flatten the mixture evenly in the skillet.
• Top with remaining cheese and arrange crispy crowns or tater tots in a single layer.
• Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, or until the tots are golden brown.
• Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end if you want an extra crispy finish.

👩‍🍳 Pro Tips for Success

• Use Colby Jack cheese for that melty, gooey texture—or cheddar for a sharper kick.
• Crispy crowns usually crisp up better than regular tater tots.
• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the filling to a 9×13 baking dish before adding the tots.

🧑‍🌾 Why It’s Called “Cowboy Casserole”

The name is all about simplicity and heartiness. Think about a cowboy meal: minimal ingredients, cooked over fire, filling, and flavorful. That’s what this casserole delivers—just without the horses.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

Serve this with:

• A side of green beans or a fresh garden salad
• Garlic bread for dipping into the cheesy filling
• Sweet tea, lemonade, or a glass of red wine for grown-ups

🥣 Cowboy Casserole Variations

Want to change it up? Try one of these ideas:

• Tex-Mex Style: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and jalapeños
• Breakfast Twist: Swap beef for breakfast sausage and crack a few eggs on top
• Veggie-Friendly: Use plant-based ground meat and cream of celery soup
• BBQ Flavor: Swap out the soup for BBQ sauce and sprinkle bacon bits on top

🧊 Meal Prep, Storage & Reheating

• Make ahead and store in the fridge (covered) for up to 3 days
• Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months
• Reheat leftovers at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or microwave in 1-minute intervals

🧮 Nutritional Breakdown (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 400–500
• Protein: 18–22g
• Carbs: 35–40g
• Fat: 20–25g
• Make it lighter with:
  • Low-fat cheese
  • Light sour cream
  • Reduced-sodium soup

❓ FAQs About Easy Cowboy Casserole

Can I make cowboy casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

Sure—just parboil and slice them thin for layering. Tater tots or crispy crowns, however, give the best crunch.

Can I freeze cowboy casserole?

Yes! You can freeze it unbaked or after baking. Just wrap it well to avoid freezer burn.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

Try cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a homemade béchamel sauce.

How long does cowboy casserole last in the fridge?

Up to 3 days, stored in an airtight container.

Can I make cowboy casserole in a crockpot?

You can cook the filling in the slow cooker, but you’ll need to transfer it to the oven or air fryer to crisp the top layer.

🔁 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, potluck, or craving something cozy, Easy Cowboy Casserole is a one-pan wonder that’s always a hit. It’s quick, affordable, and loaded with flavor. Plus, it reheats like a dream—which means leftovers are never a bad thing.

Want to master your cheese melt game? Head over to the Cheese Science Toolkit to get nerdy about what makes cheese gooey and golden!