Ah, Cowboy Potato Casserole—a hearty, cheesy, loaded potato dish that’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or game-day spreads 🥔🧀🥓. It’s basically mashed or diced potatoes baked with meat, cheese, and savory toppings. Here’s a complete recipe:
🥘 Cowboy Potato Casserole
Ingredients (serves 6–8)
- 4 cups diced or shredded potatoes (you can use fresh, frozen, or leftover mashed)
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional toppings: green onions, extra cheese, or crushed cornflakes for crunch
Instructions
1. Preheat oven
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the meat
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or sausage with onions and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Prepare the potato mixture
- In a large bowl, combine potatoes, sour cream, milk, ¾ cup cheese, cooked meat, and bacon (if using). Mix until well combined.
4. Assemble the casserole
- Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese and optional toppings (green onions, crushed cornflakes) on top.
5. Bake
- Bake 25–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Serve
- Let cool 5 minutes before serving. Perfect as a side dish or main course.
Tips for Perfect Cowboy Potato Casserole
- Potato choice: Diced Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well; frozen hashbrowns are a shortcut.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor; mix in mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
- Make-ahead: Assemble ahead and bake later; it reheats well.
- Extra flavor: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a few dashes of hot sauce for a smoky kick.
If you want, I can give a “loaded, ultra-creamy cowboy potato casserole” version with cream cheese, sautéed peppers, caramelized onions, and more bacon—basically over-the-top comfort food perfection.
Do you want me to do that?
