Easy Cowboy Casserole

The Cowboy Casserole is a classic, hearty dish that embodies the spirit of comfort food with a Western twist. Though its origins aren’t tied to a specific place or person, it’s inspired by the simple, filling meals that cowboys and pioneers might have enjoyed on the trail.

The Story Behind Cowboy Casserole

Historically, cowboys needed meals that were easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, and could be cooked in a single pot over a campfire. They relied on hearty staples like beans, potatoes, and preserved meats to keep them going during long cattle drives. The modern Cowboy Casserole is a nostalgic nod to these robust meals but adapted for the convenience of a home kitchen.

The dish gained popularity in the mid-20th century, during the boom of canned foods and convenience cooking. Using pantry staples like cream of mushroom soup, canned corn, and tater tots, it quickly became a favorite in American households for its ease and crowd-pleasing appeal.

Today, it’s celebrated as a modern day comfort food classic, bringing together rich flavors and textures: savory beef, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots. It’s the perfect casserole for potlucks, family gatherings, or anytime you want a taste of rustic, all-American cooking.

Cowboy Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Beef: In a large cast iron skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
3. Mix Ingredients: Stir in the corn, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, sour cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until well combined.
4. Assemble Casserole: In the same cast iron pan, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over top of the mixture.
5. Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
6. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
7. Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serves 4. Enjoy!

Tips:

• For extra flavor, add chopped bacon or green onions on top.
• Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.

Enjoy this classic comfort dish that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family!