Hearty Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe for Dinner Joy

Comfort cuisine reaches new heights with this hearty tater tot casserole that promises delicious satisfaction.

Midwestern kitchens have long celebrated this crowd-pleasing dish for its simplicity and rich flavors.

Layers of seasoned ground beef create a robust foundation beneath crispy potato gems.

Melted cheese blankets each bite, offering a gooey and irresistible texture.

Weeknight dinners just became more exciting with this no-fuss recipe that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.

Quick to assemble and guaranteed to bring smiles, you’ll want to make this casserole part of your regular meal rotation.

Dive in and savor every delectable spoonful of this classic comfort meal.

Pro Tips for Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

• Remove as much grease as possible from the ground beef to prevent a soggy casserole and reduce overall calories.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, monterey jack, or a blend for unique flavor profiles and added excitement.
• Mix in frozen mixed vegetables or chopped bell peppers to increase nutritional value and add color to the dish.
• Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer without overlapping to ensure maximum crispiness and even cooking.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Variations on Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Comfort: Swap tater tots with cauliflower florets or zucchini rounds for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty, southwestern-inspired casserole.

How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole

• Comfort Meal Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, savory flavors and add some fresh nutrition.
• Game Night Delight: Serve alongside buffalo chicken wings or jalapeño poppers for a crowd-pleasing spread perfect for sports viewing or casual gatherings.
• Family-Style Feast: Add steamed green beans or roasted broccoli as a side to introduce more vegetables and create a complete, satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
• Brunch Twist: Transform leftovers into a morning treat by topping with a fried egg and serving with hot sauce for an indulgent weekend breakfast option.

How to Store Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Remains good for up to 3 months in freezer.
• Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil to prevent drying, warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What type of ground beef works best for this casserole?

Choose lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to ensure good flavor without excessive grease. This ratio helps prevent the dish from becoming too oily while maintaining moisture.

• Can I use a different type of soup instead of cream of mushroom?

Yes, cream of chicken or cream of celery work well as substitutes. These alternatives provide similar creamy texture and binding properties for the casserole.

• How do I prevent the tater tots from becoming soggy?

Avoid thawing the tater tots beforehand and ensure they’re placed in a single layer on top of the casserole. This helps maintain their crispy texture during baking.

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef: Comfort in Every Bite

• Comfort Food Champion: A hearty, satisfying dish that wraps you in warm, nostalgic flavors perfect for filling hungry bellies and creating cozy meal moments.
• Quick and Simple Prep: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels, from beginner to experienced home chefs.
• Kid-Approved Delight: Crispy tater tots, melty cheese, and savory ground beef create an irresistible combination that children and adults will love, making mealtime a breeze.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual dinners, this casserole serves multiple people and requires minimal individual plating.

Ingredients for Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the savory base of the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, melty layer of flavor to the dish.
• Milk: Helps create a creamy texture in the soup mixture.

• Onion: Provides a subtle, sweet aromatics to enhance the beef flavor.

• Tater Tots: Crispy potato bites that create a delicious golden topping.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a creamy, binding sauce for the casserole.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps cook the ground beef and prevents sticking.

How to Prepare Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook ground beef until it turns a rich, deep brown color.

Sprinkle in chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.

Carefully drain away any excess grease to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce

Whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk in a mixing bowl.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

The sauce should be smooth and well-blended, creating a creamy base for the casserole.

Step 3: Layer The Casserole

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease the bottom and sides.

Spread the cooked beef and onion mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Pour the creamy soup mixture over the beef, making sure to cover the entire surface.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce.

Arrange frozen tater tots in a single, overlapping layer on top of the cheese.

The tots will create a crispy, golden crown for the casserole.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).

Bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for the tater tots to turn golden brown and crispy.

The cheese should be bubbling and melted, creating an irresistible top layer.

Step 6: Rest And Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the comforting blend of beef, cheese, and crispy tater tots.

Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Midwestern comfort shines in this hearty tater tot casserole with ground beef, blending classic American ingredients. Crispy potato tots crown a savory beef mixture, delivering nostalgic flavors you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk

Vegetables and Pantry Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 bag (32 ounces / 907 grams) frozen tater tots
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Sauté ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly browned, breaking into small crumbles.
3. Add diced onions to the beef and cook until they become translucent and soft, then carefully drain any accumulated fat.
4. Whisk cream of mushroom soup with milk in a separate mixing bowl, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
5. Transfer the cooked beef and onion mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
6. Pour the creamy soup mixture over the beef layer, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the surface of the soup layer.
8. Arrange frozen tater tots in a neat, overlapping pattern to completely cover the cheese and beef layers.
9. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for golden-brown tater tots and bubbling cheese edges.
10. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, or dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the meat mixture.
• Create a gluten-free option by using gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and checking that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Prep ahead by assembling the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerating until ready to bake, which can actually intensify the dish’s flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 487 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg