The Ultimate Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef Recipe

Comfort flows through every savory bite of this hearty tater tot casserole with ground beef.

Layers of crispy potato gems nestle between seasoned meat and melted cheese.

Midwest kitchens have long cherished such simple, satisfying meals that warm both stomach and soul.

Families gather around steaming dishes, sharing stories and creating memories.

Rich beef mingles with creamy sauce, promising a delightful dinner experience.

Crisp tater tots crown this classic one-pan wonder with irresistible golden crunch.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this ultimate weeknight dinner solution.

Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef Everyone Loves

• Comfort Food Champion: Packed with hearty ground beef, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots, this casserole delivers ultimate comfort in every single bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity: Requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients, making it perfect for busy families and beginner cooks who want a satisfying meal.
• Customize Your Creation: Easily adaptable by swapping vegetables, trying different cheese blends, or adding personal favorite seasonings to match your taste preferences.
• Family Dinner Hero: Guaranteed to bring smiles around the table with its kid-friendly ingredients and nostalgic, classic American casserole style that appeals to all ages.

Ingredients For Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful foundation for the casserole that provides rich protein and depth of taste.

• Onion, Minced Garlic: These ingredients add savory depth and aromatic complexity to the beef mixture.
• Mixed Vegetables: A colorful and nutritious addition that brings extra texture and balanced nutrition to the dish.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy base that helps bind the ingredients and adds a rich, comforting flavor.
• Sour Cream: Provides tanginess and helps create a smooth, creamy texture in the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that adds delicious flavor and creates a golden, crispy topping.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the beef mixture.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Concentrated seasonings that boost the savory profile of the dish.

• Frozen Tater Tots: A crispy, golden potato topping that creates a delightful crunchy layer for the casserole.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the ground beef and preventing sticking.

How To Prepare Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for a mouthwatering meal.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Grab a large skillet and heat some olive oil over medium flame.

• Ground beef
• Diced onion

Sizzle and cook until the beef turns a gorgeous brown and onions soften, about 5-7 minutes. Drain away any extra grease.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Minced garlic
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Mixed vegetables

Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Step 4: Layer the Goodness

Slide the beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and shower with a handful of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Tater Tot Blanket

Create a golden crispy layer of frozen tater tots across the top of the cheesy beef.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the tater tots turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 7: Extra Cheese Please

Pull the casserole out and sprinkle another handful of cheddar cheese on top. Bake for an extra 5 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey deliciousness.

Step 8: Serve and Devour

Grab a serving spoon and dig into this comfort food masterpiece while it’s hot!

Tips To Make Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef Perfect

• Enhance flavor by using high-quality ground beef with 80/20 fat content for juicier results.
• Prevent soggy tots by placing them in a single layer and not overcrowding the dish.
• Consider adding diced jalapeños or green chiles for a spicy kick that transforms the classic recipe.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting cream of mushroom soup with a homemade alternative or gluten-free cream soup.
• Prep ahead by assembling the casserole and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking for easy meal planning.

Variations For Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef

• Veggie Beef Alternative: Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content and hearty texture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute tater tots with roasted cauliflower florets to create a lower-carbohydrate casserole perfect for keto dieters and health-conscious individuals.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced green chilies, jalapeños, and replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese to transform the classic recipe into a zesty southwestern-style casserole with bold flavors.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Serving Suggestions For Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef

• Comfort Feast Night: Gather family around this hearty casserole for a classic dinner that brings everyone together with nostalgic flavors and cozy warmth.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve in smaller portions as a delicious appetizer during sports events, pairing perfectly with cold beverages and creating instant fan excitement.
• Potluck Party Star: Transport this easy casserole in a covered dish to social gatherings, where its cheesy goodness will make you the ultimate recipe hero among friends.
• Weeknight Meal Lifesaver: Prep this quick dish when time is short, offering a satisfying one-pan meal that requires minimal cleanup and maximum flavor enjoyment.

Storage Advice For Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain food safety.
• Refrigerate tater tot casserole for up to 3-4 days in a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid.
• Keep casserole in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love tater tots and the cheesy, meaty combination makes this casserole a hit with children of all ages.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat cream of mushroom soup, reduced-fat cheese, and add more vegetables to increase the nutritional value.

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ground beef tater tot casserole delivers hearty comfort through layers of seasoned meat and crispy potato tops. Midwestern classic satisfies hunger with simple ingredients and classic home-style appeal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 package (32 ounces / 907 grams) frozen tater tots
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a toasty 375F (190C), preparing for a hearty comfort meal.
2. In a large skillet, sizzle ground beef and diced onions over medium heat, breaking the meat into crumbly bits until browned and tender, approximately 5-7 minutes. Eliminate any excess grease.
3. Awaken the flavors by introducing minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Allow the seasonings to meld for 1-2 minutes.
4. Incorporate cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and mixed vegetables, stirring until the mixture becomes a harmonious blend. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom. Dust the surface with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Artfully arrange frozen tater tots in a uniform blanket, covering the cheesy landscape completely.
7. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, watching the tater tots transform into golden, crispy sentinels.
8. Pull the dish from the oven and crown it with the remaining cheddar cheese. Return to the oven for a final 5-minute melting session.
9. Serve piping hot, ready to comfort and satisfy hungry diners.

Notes

• Customize vegetable mix by using fresh or frozen seasonal veggies for added nutrition and flavor variety.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and selecting low-fat cheese options.
• Prep ahead by assembling casserole earlier and refrigerating until ready to bake, perfect for busy weeknight meals.
• Enhance protein content by incorporating diced bell peppers or swapping ground beef with lean turkey for a healthier alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 485 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg