Cowboy Casserole

If you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner that will satisfy the whole family, this cowboy casserole is hard to beat. It all starts with crispy bacon, and once the onions start to soften in those flavorful bacon drippings, you know you're headed in the right direction! The creamy filling is packed with seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, spinach, and plenty of cheese, then topped with a layer of golden, crunchy tater tots that make every bite extra comforting.

The best part is that everything comes together in one cast-iron skillet, so cleanup is just as easy as dinner. Thanks to convenient frozen tater tots, there's very little prep work, and the casserole is ready for the oven in no time. Since it's loaded with vegetables, protein, and potatoes, you don't even need to worry about making side dishes, though you could throw in a quick side salad if you're craving something green.

This is the kind of cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that's perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or anytime you're craving a classic comfort food recipe. Saddle up and dig in!

What is cowboy casserole?
Cowboy casserole is a hearty, family-friendly comfort food that's layered with all kinds of delicious ingredients. This version starts with a creamy filling of ground beef, onions, garlic, spinach, corn, and cream of mushroom soup. It's topped with plenty of shredded cheese, a layer of crispy tater tots, and a sprinkle of parmesan before baking until bubbly and golden brown. To finish it off, crispy bacon and fresh chives add the perfect savory crunch and pop of flavor. It's an easy one-pan dinner that's filling, cozy, and guaranteed to be a hit around the table.

What else can you add to cowboy casserole?

This dish is easily customizable! For an extra veggie kick, you could stir cooked or canned green beans, frozen peas, or sautéed bell pepper into the filling when you add the corn. Or try kicking up the heat with diced jalapeño or diced green chiles.

Can you make cowboy casserole in a baking dish?

Yes! If you don't have an oven-safe skillet like a cast-iron skillet, you can make the filling in any pan, then transfer it to a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Simply top it with cheese and tater tots and bake as directed.

Can you make cowboy casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Cowboy casserole is a great make-ahead meal. Prepare the beef filling up to 1 day in advance, then let it cool completely and refrigerate it in an airtight container or cover the skillet tightly. When you're ready to serve, warm the filling gently on the stovetop over medium heat, then top it with the shredded cheese, tater tots, and parmesan. Bake as directed until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the tater tots are perfectly crisp and golden.