Cowboy Casserole Bake (Printable Version)

Cheesy beef and corn casserole topped with crispy tater tots for the ultimate comfort meal.

# Everything You’ll Need:

→ Protein & Base

01 - 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (85/15 lean)
02 - 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled

→ Creamy Mixture

03 - 1 cup corn kernels, frozen or canned and drained
04 - 2/3 cup condensed cream of mushroom soup
05 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
06 - 1/3 cup whole milk
07 - 1/4 cup sour cream

→ Seasonings & Topping

08 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
10 - 32 ounces frozen tater tots

# Steps to Cook:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no pink remains, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
03 - Add the corn, cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, onion powder, black pepper, and crumbled bacon to the skillet with the beef.
04 - Stir all the ingredients in the skillet until well combined and the cheese starts to melt, creating a creamy, flavorful mixture.
05 - Spread the beef mixture evenly in your prepared 9x13-inch baking dish, creating a smooth base layer.
06 - Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the beef mixture, then arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top, covering the entire surface.
07 - Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
08 - Remove from oven and sprinkle any remaining cheese on top, then bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
09 - Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set up. Serve hot for the best comfort food experience.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - This freezes well for up to 3 months - assemble and freeze before baking, then bake from frozen adding 15-20 extra minutes.
02 - You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
03 - Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
04 - Leftovers reheat well in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

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