• Blog
  • About
  • Recipes
  • FAQs
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
Menu

The Skinny Fork

Street Address
Austin
Phone Number

The Skinny Fork

  • Blog
  • About
  • Recipes
  • FAQs
  • Contact
  • Subscribe

Cowboy Casserole

March 23, 2022 Amanda Plott

What can I say? I love casseroles. I love them any time of day. Recently I had a chicken pot pie, but this time I decided to go with something vegetarian! Yeah, I know. I looks like there’s meat in there, but really there isn’t! I used some vegetarian ground ‘meat’ in this Cowboy Casserole that takes no time at all to come together. There’s veggies, cheese, soup, ground ‘meat’ and then tater tots on top to round it out and keep it light but still hearty and filling.

When I saw the original idea for this Cowboy Casserole, I just knew that I wanted to lighten it up and put a little bit more of a healthified take on it. The first thing I did was to swap out the meat. I also halved the recipe and used a reduced fat version of not only the mushroom soup, but also for the shredded cheese too! As usual, I swap out sour cream with greek yogurt anytime that I can get away with it.

It turned out delish! Now, if you really wanted, you could swap the vegetarian ‘meat’ out for ground turkey, chicken, or a lean ground beef. No matter which way you go, meatless or not, you’re sure to love this casserole. It’s great for picky eaters since tater tots make everything better. Especially casseroles.

Cowboy Casserole

Cowboy Casserole

Yield: 6
Author: The Skinny Fork (Amanda Plott)
Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 25 MinTotal time: 35 Min
A tasty vegetarian casserole that combines vegetarian 'meat', veggies, cheese, and even some tater tots on top!

Ingredients

  • 1 Lb. Vegetarian Ground 'Meat' (Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger)
  • 1/2 White Onion, Chopped
  • 1/2 Green Bell Pepper, Chopped
  • 8 Oz. Can Salt-Free Corn, Drained
  • 8 Oz. Reduced Fat Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • 1 C. Shredded Reduced Fat Cheddar
  • 5 Oz. Diced Tomatoes & Green Chiles, Undrained
  • 1/4 C. Unsweetened Almond Milk
  • 2 Tbsp. Pain Fat Free Greek Yogurt
  • 15 Oz. Frozen Tater Tots, Thawed

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and lightly coat the inside of an 8x8 or 9x9" baking dish, set aside.
  2. Place the 1 Lb. Vegetarian Ground 'Meat', 1/2 White Onion, and 1/2 Green Bell Pepper into a medium skillet to cook over medium-high heat until the 'meat' is cooked through and the veggies are tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, stir together the 8 Oz. Can Salt-Free Corn, Drained, 8 Oz. Reduced Fat Cream of Mushroom Soup, 1 C. Shredded Reduced Fat Cheddar, 5 Oz. Diced Tomatoes & Green Chiles, 1/4 C. Unsweetened Almond Milk, and 2 Tbsp. Pain Fat Free Greek Yogurt.
  4. Add the meat and veggies to the bowl and stir to combine.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  6. Top with the 15 Oz. tater tots.
  7. Place in the oven to bake for 25-30 minutes or until the sides are bubbling and the tater tots are browned.
  8. Once done, remove from the oven and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

286.64

Fat (grams)

10.6

Sat. Fat (grams)

2.46

Carbs (grams)

24.4

Fiber (grams)

2.6

Net carbs

21.79

Sugar (grams)

2.28

Protein (grams)

23.62

Sodium (milligrams)

15316.34

Cholesterol (grams)

54.09

Nutritional Claims: Sugar Conscious • Vegetarian • Pescatarian • Egg Free • Peanut Free • Fish Free • Shellfish Free • Pork Free • Red Meat Free • Crustacean Free • Celery Free •Mustard Free • Sesame Free • Lupine Free • Mollusk Free • Alcohol Free • Sulphite Free • Kosher

Similar Recipes

Healthified Chicken Noodle Casserole

Cheesesteak Macaroni Casserole

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Did you make this recipe?
Tag @theskinnyfork on instagram and hashtag it theskinnyfork

Step-by-Step Photos:

cowboy-casserole.jpg
cowboy-casserole2.jpg
cowboy-casserole3.jpg
cowboy-casserole4.jpg
cowboy-casserole5.jpg
cowboy-casserole6.jpg
cowboy-casserole.jpg cowboy-casserole2.jpg cowboy-casserole3.jpg cowboy-casserole4.jpg cowboy-casserole5.jpg cowboy-casserole6.jpg
In American, Casseroles, Kid Friendly, Meatless, Vegetarian Tags vegetarian, casserole, tater tots, dinner, easy
← Spinach & Feta BundtVery Cherry Pie →
Recent Forkable Bites
Gochujang Roasted Potatoes
Gochujang Roasted Potatoes

If roasted potatoes and Korean chili paste had a love child, this would be it. These Gochujang Roasted Potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender and pillowy inside, and coated with a sweet-spicy glaze that’s totally addictive — but without the guilt trip. I’ve given the classic roasted spud a health-conscious twist that keeps the flavor big and the oil minimal. Perfect as a side, snack, or the star of a casual weeknight dinner…

Read more →
Korean Scallion Pop Over Pancake "Dutch Baby"
Korean Scallion Pop Over Pancake "Dutch Baby"

You’ve just found your new kitchen obsession: the Korean Scallion Pop Over Pancake. Think of it as the love child of a light-as-air popover and the garlicky, green-onion-forward goodness of pajeon. It’s quick, a little bit showy, and perfect for breakfast, snack time, or as an appetizer that will convince friends you are doing something wildly gourmet without breaking a sweat…

Read more →
Tex-mex Tortilla Breakfast Bake
Tex-mex Tortilla Breakfast Bake

If breakfast had a fiesta, this Tex-Mex Tortilla Breakfast Bake would be the life of the party. It’s cheesy, bright with salsa, and full of Tex-Mex flavors—yet uses smart swaps so it’s lighter and still utterly satisfying. Think of it as nachos-turned-breakfast-casserole: layers of tortilla base, eggs, veggies, black beans, and just enough melty cheese to keep things comforting without sending your health goals running for cover…

Read more →
Passion Fruit Filled Upside-Down Cheesecake (No Bake)
Passion Fruit Filled Upside-Down Cheesecake (No Bake)

If your dessert game needs a tropical mic drop, meet the Passion Fruit Filled Upside-Down Cheesecake. It’s the best kind of culinary contradiction: bright, tangy passion fruit tucked into a creamy, lighter-than-it-looks cheesecake sitting below a crumbly cookie base. It’s sweet, tart, slightly exotic, and perfectly guilt-free when you use a few smart swaps. Yes, you can have cheesecake and feel like you did something good for your future self…

Read more →
German Pancake "Dutch Baby"
German Pancake "Dutch Baby"

If you grew up thinking pancakes were just flat cakey discs drowned in syrup, German pancakes (also called Dutch babies) are here to re-educate your brunch brain. These dramatic oven-baked beauties puff up like savory soufflés, then collapse into golden, creased pools of custardy goodness. They’re loud, theatrical, and oddly wholesome — the perfect plate to start a weekend with a little flair and a lot less guilt…

Read more →
Black Bean Street Corn Tacos
Black Bean Street Corn Tacos

Street corn and tacos: two food-world celebrities that, when teamed up, create a headline-making flavor duet. Add black beans—protein-packed, wallet-friendly, and endlessly comforting—and you’ve got a weeknight superstar that’s healthy, colorful, and obnoxiously easy to make. These Black Bean Street Corn Tacos bring together charred corn, smoky spices, creamy jalapeño sauce, and hearty black beans for a taco that hits every note: tasty, creamy, bright, and slightly rebellious…

Read more →
French Vanilla Upside-Down Cheesecake
French Vanilla Upside-Down Cheesecake

If you love the idea of classic French vanilla but want something a little unexpected, meet the French Vanilla Upside-Down Cheesecake — a playful flip on an indulgent favorite that keeps the texture silky and the flavor bright without dragging you into full dessert regret. This recipe flips the script with a golden french vanilla filling inside a light, creamy cheesecake so when you flip it, you get a crunchy crown of cookie and a tender, cloud-like cheesecake underneath. It’s fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight celebration.

Why French vanilla? French vanilla is all about the custard-forward flavor. In this cheesecake, that custardy depth and a crispy crunchy cookie crust shell is just perfect. The result is familiar and elegant — like dessert wearing a beret.

Read more →
Veggie Wrap with Peanut Sauce
Veggie Wrap with Peanut Sauce

Bright, crunchy, and ridiculously satisfying — this Veggie Wrap with Peanut Sauce is my go-to when I want lunch that feels indulgent but doesn’t leave me sluggish. Think crisp raw veggies, tender marinated mushrooms (or tofu), fresh herbs, and a creamy, tangy peanut sauce wrapped up in a whole-grain tortilla or rice paper. It’s fresh, protein-packed, and perfect for meal prep. Best part: the peanut sauce doubles as a dip for snack carrots, because nobody should deny themselves that level of deliciousness.

Why you’ll love it

  • Fresh and crunchy textures with a creamy, savory sauce.

  • Flexible — easily vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb.

  • Quick to assemble, great for lunches, picnics, or a light dinner.

  • Balances fiber, healthy fats, and plant protein for a filling meal without heaviness…

Read more →
Upside Down Blueberry Filled Cheesecake (No Bake)
Upside Down Blueberry Filled Cheesecake (No Bake)

If cheesecake could wear a pair of comfy sneakers and a party hat, this would be it. Meet the Upside Down No-Bake Blueberry-Filled Cheesecake: a glossy, jewel-toned blueberry layer that INSIDE of a pillowy, tangy no-bake cheesecake, all cradled by a lightly sweet, cookie-forward crust.

It looks fancy. It tastes like summer. It requires zero oven time and minimal effort. Translation: perfect for heat waves, last-minute company, or when you want dessert that’s both impressive and unapologetically easy…

Read more →
Skinny Caramel Banana Pudding No Bake Cheesecake
Skinny Caramel Banana Pudding No Bake Cheesecake

If banana pudding and cheesecake had a love child it would be this: silky, banana-forward, and just sweet enough to satisfy a dessert craving without sending you spiraling into sugar regret. This Skinny Caramel Banana Pudding No-Bake Cheesecake keeps all the cozy, nostalgic flavors—banana pudding, creamy cheesecake, and a touch of caramel—while trimming calories and ditching heavy baking. It’s perfect for hot days, last-minute gatherings, or whenever you want dessert that feels indulgent but behaves itself…

Read more →
Chimichurri
Chimichurri

Chimichurri: bright, herby, slightly spicy — and a total game-changer for everything from grilled steak to roasted veggies. If you’ve ever had a bite of anything sauced in Argentina or Uruguay, you probably met this vibrant green condiment: an herb-forward sauce that’s equal parts punchy and versatile. Here’s everything you need to know to make a fresh, health-conscious chimichurri that tastes like it belongs at a backyard grill party — without the guilt…

Read more →
Hawachae
Hawachae

If you're hunting for a drink that’s fruity, fun, and somehow both festive and entirely guilt-free, say hello to hwachae. This Korean fruit punch is like summer in a shallow bowl: colorful, bubbly, and built for sharing. Think of it as a fruit salad you sip—refreshing, lightly sweet, and endlessly adaptable. Perfect for warm afternoons, brunches, or whenever you want something more exciting than plain water but less indulgent than a soda cocktail…

Read more →
Miso Caesar Dressing
Miso Caesar Dressing

The tangy, umami-packed upgrade that your salad has been waiting for!

If you love the bold, savory comfort of classic Caesar dressing but want something lighter, brighter, and just a smidge more interesting, say hello to miso Caesar dressing. It keeps everything you adore about a Caesar—creamy texture, salty tang, garlicky bite—then swaps in miso for depth, and ties it all together with citrus brightness. It’s umami-forward, slightly funky in the best way, and totally guilt-free. Also: it makes kale feel like a party guest instead of a punishment…

Read more →
Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats
Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats

If you love the nostalgic bliss of strawberry shortcake ice cream bars but want a breakfast that’s fast, healthy, and won’t require a spatula duel at 7 a.m., meet Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats. This guilt-free spin captures the flavors you love — sweet strawberries, fluffy strawberry and vanilla oat vibes, and a few topping options— but in a nutrient-packed, make-ahead jar. It’s breakfast that feels like dessert and behaves like a responsible adult…

Read more →
Strawberry Vinaigrette
Strawberry Vinaigrette

Salads deserve better than boring dressing. Enter strawberry vinaigrette — a sweet-tart, blush-pink dressing that makes greens sing, fruits dance, and even roasted veggies look forward to showtime. It’s the kind of dressing that tricks your brain into thinking you’re indulging, while your body high-fives you for picking something wholesome. I’ve taken the classic fruit vinaigrette, given it a Skinny Fork twist, and kept it guilt-free without sacrificing flavor…

Read more →
Breakfast Tomato Eggs
Breakfast Tomato Eggs

Tomato + eggs = morning magic. This humble combo is a breakfast staple around the world — from shakshuka to Chinese tomato-and-egg stir-fry — and for good reason. It’s fast, comforting, and jam-packed with flavor and nutrition. Think vibrant tomatoes, silky eggs, and a few tricks to boost protein and fiber while keeping things bright and fresh…

Read more →
Subscribe Now!
Recipes
  • American
  • Appetizers
  • Asian
  • Beef
  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Burgers
  • Casseroles
  • Chicken
  • Clean Eating
  • Cocktails
  • Crock Pot/Instant Pot
  • Desserts
  • Dinner Plan
  • Dips
  • Fall
  • French
  • Game Day
  • Gluten Free
  • Greek
  • Grilled
  • Holiday
  • Indian
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Keto
  • Kid Friendly
  • Lily's Lunch Box
  • Low-Carb
  • Lunch
  • Meatless
  • Mexican
  • Paleo
  • Pasta
  • Pork
  • Salads
  • Sandwiches
  • Side Dishes
  • Snacks
  • Soups
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Thai
  • Thanksgiving
  • Turkey
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • Winter
AmazonFresh Blogger Banner.png
Ads.jpg
blogger-partner-logo.png





Privacy Policy. Terms and Conditions. Affiliate Disclosure.
All images and artwork Copyright © 2013-2023 The Skinny Fork.

Content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License.