Cowboy Casserole Tater Tots (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main ingredients
01 -
1/2 pound ground beef (85/15 lean)
02 -
1 cup corn kernels
03 -
2/3 cup condensed cream of mushroom soup
04 -
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
05 -
1/3 cup whole milk
06 -
1/4 cup sour cream
07 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
08 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
09 -
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
10 -
32 ounces frozen tater tots
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and set aside.
02 -
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until fully browned and no pink remains.
03 -
Add corn kernels, condensed cream of mushroom soup, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk, sour cream, onion powder, black pepper, and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Stir thoroughly until ingredients are well incorporated.
04 -
Evenly spread beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the remaining cheese, then arrange tater tots in a single, even layer over the top.
05 -
Bake uncovered in the center of the oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until tater tots are crisp and golden brown.
06 -
Remove baking dish from oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the tater tots. Return to oven for 5 minutes, or until cheese has fully melted.
07 -
Allow casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking, enabling it to set for easier portioning.
# Notes:
01 -
For quicker assembly, use pre-cooked bacon bits or cook bacon in advance.
02 -
Canned or fresh corn can be used interchangeably; if using canned corn, drain thoroughly.
03 -
Letting the dish rest after baking improves structure for cleaner serving.