We're back with another easy weeknight family dinner... Cowboy Casserole!  The combination of ground beef, corn, cheddar cheese, and sour cream gets you going; the giddy-up happens when you top it with crispy tater tots!  

This one's super simple and totally customizable (be sure to check out the variations at the end)!

Cowboy Casserole

Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 cup corn
2/3 cup condensed Cream of Mushroom soup
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
1/3 cup whole milk
1/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
32 ounces frozen tater tots

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until browned.  Drain grease and return to skillet.  Add the corn, cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup cheese (saving the other half for later), milk, sour cream, onion powder, and black pepper to the skillet and mix well.

In a 9x13 pan, layer the beef, then the cheese, and finally line up the tater tots before baking for 40-45 minutes uncovered.

Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake another 5 minutes.

How To Freeze
Once your casserole has completely cooled, wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe storage container or bag and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before placing it in the oven to reheat.

Variations
Veggies: You can add frozen veggies (carrots, peas, broccoli, peppers) and layer them on top of the beef, but below the cheese. Make sure to add an additional 10 minutes of cooking time to allow the frozen vegetables to cook through. 

Meats: The casserole works with just about any type of ground meat. Try using ground turkey, chicken, or Italian pork sausage. 

Taco Cowboy Casserole: Flavor the ground beef with a teaspoon of chili powder or a packet of Taco Seasoning. Add beans and canned chilies or jalapeños to the layers and top with salsa or a can of Rotel, and add an additional 10 minutes to the cooking time.


YEE HAW!