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Tater Tot Cowboy Casserole with Bacon

Tater Tot Cowboy Casserole with Bacon
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Tater Tot Cowboy Casserole with Bacon is a hearty, comforting one-dish meal combining crispy bacon, golden tater tots, savory ground beef, cheddar cheese, and a creamy mushroom soup base. Perfect for family dinners or game day, this easy-to-make casserole offers layers of savory flavors and textures that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, crisped and chopped

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) canned corn, drained

Dairy & Cheese

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Other Ingredients

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon and Ground Beef: Start by crisping the bacon pieces in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove and drain on paper towels, then use the rendered bacon fat to brown the ground beef along with the diced onions until cooked through and fragrant.
  2. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper; cook for another minute to blend the flavors well.
  3. Mix in Cream of Mushroom Soup and Corn: Add the cream of mushroom soup and canned corn to the beef mixture, stirring until everything is evenly combined and creamy.
  4. Layer the Casserole: Transfer half of the beef mixture into a greased casserole dish, sprinkle half of the cooked bacon on top, then scatter half of the shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining beef mixture and bacon.
  5. Top with Tater Tots and Bake: Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the casserole. Cover loosely with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until the tots are golden and crispy.
  6. Add the Final Cheese Layer and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top, return to the oven for 5 minutes until melted, then let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use thick-cut bacon for maximum crispiness and flavor contrast in each bite.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking ground beef to ensure it browns rather than steams.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to firm up and slice neatly.
  • For extra crispy tater tots topping, consider pre-baking the tots for 5–7 minutes before layering.
  • Customize with different cheese types such as pepper jack or blends for varied flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tater Tot Casserole, Cowboy Casserole, Bacon Casserole, Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Game Day Recipe

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/tater-tot-cowboy-casserole-with-bacon/