Dinner

Bacon Cowboy Casserole Recipe

ByLila Prescott January 25, 2026January 25, 2026

Introduction

Bacon Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for family dinners. With layers of savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that combines classic flavors in a satisfying casserole.

A white casserole dish filled with a baked tater tot casserole showing three visible layers: the bottom layer is a brown, crispy cooked meat and sauce mixture, the middle layer is melted golden cheese that slightly melts into the meat below, and the top layer is a neatly arranged grid of crispy golden tater tots. Drizzled in even diagonal lines of reddish-brown ketchup over the tater tots, the casserole is also sprinkled with small bits of green parsley for contrast. A soft white marbled surface fills the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 lb ground beef (85/15)
1 cup corn kernels

2/3 cup condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/3 cup whole milk
1/4 cup sour cream

1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon

32 oz frozen tater tots
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.

Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Add corn, cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, whole milk, sour cream, onion powder, black pepper, and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Stir well and heat through.
Step 4: Spread the beef mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking pan. Top with 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese for an even crisp finish.
Step 6: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and the filling is bubbling.
Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the casserole and bake for another 5 minutes until melted. Optionally, broil for 1–2 minutes for extra color.

Tips & Variations

Use 85/15 ground beef to balance flavor and avoid excessive grease.
Swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery for a different taste.
Add diced green chilies or jalapeños to the filling for some heat.

Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving to set for easier slicing.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

How to Serve

The image shows a white baking dish filled with a layered tater tot casserole. The bottom layer is a rich brown meat sauce visible along the edges. Above the sauce is a layer of melted golden-yellow cheese that looks gooey and melted. The top layer consists of evenly arranged rows of crispy golden-brown tater tots, each one square-shaped with a crunchy texture. Bright red lines of ketchup are drizzled in diagonal stripes over the tater tots. Small sprinkles of green parsley add contrast and a fresh look to the dish, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated before baking. Just increase the baking time slightly if baking from cold.

Can I use fresh tater tots instead of frozen?

Tater tots are typically sold frozen to maintain their shape and texture. Using fresh shredded potatoes can work but may require adjusting cooking time and careful monitoring for crispiness.