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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a toasty 375F (190C), preparing for a hearty comfort meal.
- 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.
- Awaken the flavors by introducing minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Allow the seasonings to meld for 1-2 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- Artfully arrange frozen tater tots in a uniform blanket, covering the cheesy landscape completely.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, watching the tater tots transform into golden, crispy sentinels.
- 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.
- 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