Time:
– **Prep Time**: 15 minutes
– **Bake Time**: 40 minutes
– **Total Time**: 55 minutes
## Introduction
Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this Cheesy Tater Tot Cowboy Casserole. This heart-warming dish is filled with ground beef, onions, mushroom and chicken soup, cheddar cheese, and topped off with a layer of crispy tater tots. A must-try dish for anyone who loves a hearty meal!
## Why make this recipe
This Cheesy Tater Tot Cowboy Casserole recipe is perfect for those busy weekday dinners. A combination of classic casserole ingredients and a layer of crisped tater tots will have everyone at the dinner table reaching for seconds. The casserole can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
## How to make Cheesy Tater Tot Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients :
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup frozen corn
– 1/2 cup green beans
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Directions :
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until browned; drain the beef.
3. Into the skillet, add cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir until well combined.
4. Mix in cheddar cheese, corn, and green beans. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Move the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Align the tater tots in a single layer on top of the mixture.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
8. Cool a bit before serving.
## How to serve Cheesy Tater Tot Cowboy Casserole
Serve this casserole right out of the oven while the tater tots are still hot and crispy. It can be enjoyed as it is or paired with a simple side salad, vegetables, or bread to complete the meal.
## How to store Cheesy Tater Tot Cowboy Casserole
Store the leftovers in the baking dish covered with a now wrap in the refrigerator. It will stay good to eat for up to 3 days. Before reheating, remove the cover and heat in the oven at 375°F until warmed through.
## Tips to make Cheesy Tater Tot Cowboy Casserole
– For a healthier alternative, replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
– Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice into the mix.
– To make it spicier, add a can of chopped green chilies or dash in some hot sauce.
## Variation
For a vegetarian-friendly version, omit the ground beef and use a can of black beans instead.
## FAQs
1. Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
– Yes, you can use cream of celery or cream of broccoli soup instead of the cream of mushroom.
2. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?
– Yes, you can. Simply slice the potatoes thinly and layer them on top of the mixture.
3. Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
– Absolutely! You can make this casserole in advance, freeze it, and bake when ready to serve. Just be sure to add 10-15 more minutes to the baking time.