6 Ingredient Cowboy Casserole
This amazing 6-Ingredient Cowboy Casserole is the ideal budget-friendly family dinner! Juicy beef, hearty veggies, and crunchy tater tots turn this hot dish into everyone’s favorite meal.
If you’re looking for a hearty, budget-friendly meal that’s big on flavor but light on effort, this 6-Ingredient Cowboy Casserole is the answer. With only a handful of simple ingredients, you will get all the creamy, cheesy comfort you want in a classic tater tot cowboy casserole without all the extra fuss. There’s not even any chopping, so you don’t even need any prep time!
Why you will love this casserole:
- Super easy – There is no need to chop vegetables, make a roux, or do anything complicated or time consuming. This recipe is so simple, beginner cooks and newbies will master this in no time!
- Comforting – This is home cooking at its best. It feels nostalgic, it doesn’t require any side dishes, and the warm filling with crispy tot topping is like getting a big hug from Grandma.
- Meal Prep Friendly – This casserole reheats well, and you can even make an extra one to freeze for later.
Ingredients
Here is a quick overview of what you will need for this easy casserole recipe. For exact measurements, scroll to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Ground Beef – I recommend going as lean as you can. I promise it won’t make the casserole dry, it just helps prevent the greasy feeling.
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables – I used a mix with green beans, corn, carrots, peas, and onions. You can use any mixture you prefer.
- Cream of Soup – Feel free to use the chicken, mushroom, or celery version. I used Campbell’s gluten-free cream of mushroom.
- Sour Cream – You can use original or light versions, whatever you need. I haven’t tried it, but you could likely use plant-based sour cream for a dairy-free version.
- Shredded Cheese – I like to use cheddar for the sharp flavor, but feel free to use a mixture if you prefer! Some pepper jack could add a wonderful extra bite.
- Frozen Tater Tots – These create that delicious crust with a nice crisp texture on the outside!
- Salt + Pepper to taste
How to Make Cowboy Casserole
This easy casserole comes together in just a few steps! You will need a large skillet and a 9″ x 13″ baking dish. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Make the casserole filling
Start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees F. Warm a large skillet over medium high heat, then add in the ground beef. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks, then drain off any grease once the meat has browned. Lower the heat to low, then add in your frozen veggies, cream of soup, and sour cream. Stir until it becomes a creamy sauce, then sprinkle in half of your cheese. Stir until it has melted, then add salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble and Bake
Grab you 9×13 casserole dish and spray with oil. Transfer the mixture to the dish, then sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top. Add your tater tots, lightly setting them right atop the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until the tots are crispy.
Serve
Allow the casserole to sit for about 5 minutes for the filling to firm up, then serve and enjoy! It’s a great meal all on its own, but you can stretch it further with a nice salad or homemade bread. These gluten-free buttermilk biscuits come out perfectly fluffy, or you could choose these crispy jalapeno cheddar cornbread waffles instead.
Storage and Reheating
Allow the tater tot hotdish to cool completely, then cover or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual servings in 60-second increments at 50% power, but you will lose any crispness. If you prefer the crunchy topping, I recommend placing your serving in a ramekin and reheating in the air fryer (350 for 3-5 minutes) or the oven (350 for 8-12 minutes).
Can I freeze cowboy casserole?
Yes, this cowboy casserole is the perfect make-ahead freezer meal, especially when you’re stocking the freezer for new families or sick friends! If you are making this intending to freeze it, I recommend following every step through the assembly, then covering it and baking it before freezing. When you are ready to cook, follow the instructions and add 5-10 minutes. If the tater tots begin to brown too much, cover with aluminum foil.
More comforting casseroles
- Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Turkey and Wild Rice Casserole
- Potato Broccoli & Ham Bake
- Easy Zucchini Casserole
- Keto Tuna Zoodle Casserole
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole (6 ingredients)
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 16-ounce package frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 10.5-ounce cream of soup, (mushroom, chicken, onion, etc. I used gluten-free.)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 32-ounce bag frozen tater tots
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- In a large skillet cook the ground beef, and drain off any grease.
- Add the frozen vegetables, cream of soup and sour cream over low and stir until a creamy sauce has formed. Add in half the cheese and stir until melted. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Spray a 9×13 casserole dish and transfer the mixture to the dish.
- Top with the remaining cheese and frozen tater tots.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until the tots are crispy.
