Description
This Loaded Cowboy Cheeseburger Casserole is a hearty and flavorful twist on a classic cheeseburger, baked to cheesy perfection with layers of savory beef, BBQ sauce, corn, and crispy potato wedges. Topped with bacon and green onions, it’s a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- ½ cup chopped pickles (optional)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
For the Topping:
- 1 cup crushed frozen or canned seasoned potato wedges or tater tots
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or sour cream (for drizzle, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat. Stir in garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and BBQ sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the corn and pickles, if using. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of the cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
- Top with an even layer of potato wedges or tater tots, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top. Add crumbled bacon.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the topping is golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Drizzle with mayo or sour cream if desired before serving.
Notes
- This recipe is highly customizable—swap in black beans, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes for a twist.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
