Cowboy Casserole

This hearty cowboy casserole is comfort food at its best with a creamy filling and crispy tots.

• Cooking Time: 55 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 730 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons chopped garlic
• 1 pound ground sirloin
• 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 (32 ounce) package frozen tater tots
• 2 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 0.25 cup sour cream
• 0.5 cup whole milk
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces hot pork country sausage (such as Jimmy Dean)
• 1.5 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (such as Campbell's®)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) with a rack in the center position.

Step 2

Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium. Add bacon and cook, stirring often, until browned and crisp, about 7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate with a slotted spoon, reserving 2 tablespoons of the drippings.

Step 3

Add onion and bell pepper to drippings in skillet; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 4 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef and sausage. Cook, stirring, until beef is crumbly, browned, and no longer pink, 6 to 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and drain fat, if desired. Stir in soup, milk, sour cream, salt, and black pepper. Stir in corn, bacon, and 1/2 cup of the cheese.

Step 4

Sprinkle top evenly with remaining 1 cup cheese and arrange tots in concentric circles over cheese layer (there will be about 1 1/2 cups tots leftover; reserve for another use).

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven until top is golden brown and beef mixture is bubbly, about 35 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.