Complete Cowboy Casserole

            This casserole is an easy weeknight meal that includes meat, vegetable and potato. When I grew up, my father was a man who wanted his meat, potatoes and vegetables. He had to have gravy too. He always said there were proper meals and there were ‘dig for nights’. When he worked, he wanted those complete meals.

Mom did her best to mix up the meals so it was not all the same. She did awesome. Casseroles became a favorite meal. When there were leftovers, he was so happy that he could have some for work the next day.

            This dish is everything a meal should be. It is super easy to make, super good to eat and not even a hassle to clean up after. In this dish you have ground beef, corn and tater tots. However, you should also know that with this recipe, you can customize it to fit what you like.

There are tons of variations you can make. Casseroles are also one of the great meals for potluck dinners, family get-togethers, or neighborhood parties.

Frequently Asked Questions:

            My husband does not like tater tots, can I replace them?

Yes, you could use thinly sliced red potatoes in place of the tater tots. The tater tots are just one of those simple ideas that make it easier for the cook. They are also seasoned already too.

            Can I make it ahead of time?

This is a perfect dish to prepare ahead of time. It will sit well in the refrigerator for 24 hours. You need to bake it before the 24 hours is done.

            Can I use a slow cooker to make this Cowboy Dinner?

If you are like me and love to walk into the house after a busy day and smell dinner almost complete, this recipe can easily be converted for the slow cooker.

What do you need to make Complete Cowboy Casserole

            1 cup of chopped onion

            1 can of corn

            2 pounds ground beef

            2 tsp minced garlic

            ½ cup milk

            1 large bag of frozen tater tots

            1 can of cream of onion soup

            ¼ cup sour cream

            2 cups shredded Cheddar Cheese

            Salt and pepper to taste

Optional** You can add heat to this casserole by adding 1 to 2 tsp Hot Sauce in with the soup

How to make Complete Cowboy Casserole

FIRST STEP:

Preheat the oven to 350*

Layer half of the tater tots in the bottom of a baking dish

SECOND STEP:

Put the meat and the onion into a skillet and cook thoroughly

Drain any excess grease

THIRD STEP:

Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds

Mix in the soup, milk, sour cream, corn and 1 cup of the cheese along with the salt and pepper.

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FOURTH STEP:

Stir to combine well with the meat

Spread the meat mixture over the layer of tater tots

FIFTH STEP:

Place another layer of the tater tots on the top of the meat mixture

Sprinkle with the remaining cheese

Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the tater tots are crispy and the cheese has melted

Serve, Enjoy!

Yum!