Ultimate Cowboy Casserole with Tater Tots and Cheese

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and the tater tots become crisp and golden on top.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or turkey) along with the chopped onion. Sauté for approximately 10 minutes, stirring frequently to break the meat into crumbles. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft and translucent. Drain off any excess grease to prevent the casserole from becoming oily.
3. Add the drained corn, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch each of salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir thoroughly until everything is well combined. The mixture should be thick and creamy, evenly coating the meat and vegetables.
4. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Pour the beef mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula, smoothing the top for an even layer.
5. Take the frozen tater tots and arrange them in a single layer across the top of the beef mixture. Do not thaw them beforehand—keeping them frozen ensures they crisp up nicely during baking.
6. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 minutes. The tater tots should be golden brown and starting to crisp around the edges.
7. Remove the casserole from the oven and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the tater tots. For best results, use freshly grated cheese, which melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
8. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Watch closely during the last few minutes to avoid over-browning the cheese.
9. Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the layers settle slightly, making it easier to serve neat portions.

Nutrition Information (approximate per serving)

• Calories: ~450 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 25g

Notes & Tips