Heavenly Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef Recipe

Hearty and comforting, this tater tot casserole brings together classic midwest flavors that dance on your plate.

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

Weeknight dinners need reliable recipes that satisfy everyone at the table.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this dish a weeknight champion.

Melted cheese adds a golden, gooey blanket that turns simple ingredients into something magical.

Grab a fork and dive into a meal that feels like a warm hug from grandma’s kitchen.

You’ll want seconds of this crowd-pleasing comfort food.

Why Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Is a Comfort Food

• Comfort Food Champion: Dive into a hearty, satisfying meal that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, perfect for those craving a classic home-cooked dish.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Whip up this crowd-pleaser with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Kid-Friendly Delight: Packed with familiar flavors and crispy tater tots, this casserole wins over even the pickiest eaters, transforming dinnertime into a stress-free experience.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamline your cooking process with this single-dish recipe that minimizes cleanup and maximizes convenience for home cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients for Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the delicious base of this comforting casserole.
• Tater Tots: Crispy potato nuggets that create a golden, crunchy topping for the dish.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy sauce that adds rich flavor and helps bind the casserole together.

• Sour Cream: Provides a tangy richness that enhances the overall creaminess of the casserole.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, melty layer of cheesy goodness to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build a flavorful foundation for the beef mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Frozen Peas, Green Beans: Optional vegetables that add a touch of color and nutrition to the casserole.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic, adding a subtle depth of flavor.

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) and get ready for a mouthwatering meal.

Step 2: Sauté Flavor Boosters

Heat olive oil in a large skillet.

Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook until the meat is perfectly browned.

Drain away any extra fat to keep things light.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Mixture

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spread the beef mixture evenly across a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a delicious base layer.

Step 6: Add Optional Veggies

• Frozen peas
• Green beans

Over the beef mixture for an extra nutritious touch.

Step 7: Top With Crispy Tater Tots

Arrange frozen tater tots in an even layer across the entire casserole.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Look for tater tots that are crispy and golden brown.

Step 9: Serve and Devour

Pull out your masterpiece and serve piping hot.

Get ready for comfort food bliss!

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 calorie content.
• Spread the beef mixture evenly to ensure consistent flavor and texture in every bite of the casserole.
• Swap frozen peas or green beans with other vegetables like corn or diced carrots for extra nutrition and variety.
• Experiment with different cheese types like pepper jack or sharp cheddar to add unique flavor profiles to the dish.
• Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer without overlapping to guarantee maximum crispiness and golden-brown edges.

Variations on Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

• Veggie Lover's Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that keeps all the flavor and comfort.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chiles, replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle taco seasoning into the meat mixture for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap tater tots with cauliflower florets or sliced zucchini rounds for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate option that still satisfies comfort food cravings.

Serving Ideas for Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

• Family Dinner Champion: Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty casserole brings everyone together around the table with its comforting, classic flavors.
• Potluck Showstopper: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings where friends and family will love its crispy tater tot topping and rich, savory filling.
• Game Day Delight: Serve alongside cold drinks during sports events as a filling, satisfying meal that keeps hungry fans happy and energized.
• Leftover Magic: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick lunch or late-night snack that tastes just as delicious as the first serving.

How to Store Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

• Place cooled casserole in an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss.
• Transfer completely cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, wrap securely with aluminum foil or freezer wrap, and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then bake uncovered at 350F for 20-25 minutes. Restore crispiness by adding extra cheese on top and placing under broiler for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken work great as substitutes for ground beef in this casserole.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love tater tots and the cheesy beef mixture makes this a crowd-pleaser for children of all ages.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Consider using lean ground beef, low-fat cream of mushroom soup, and reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories and fat.

• Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Tater Tot Casserole delivers comfort straight from midwestern kitchens, blending savory ground beef with crispy potato gems. Cheesy layers and simple ingredients create a satisfying meal that welcomes you to the table with warmth and nostalgia.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 grams) ground beef
• 1 package (32 ounces / 907 grams) frozen tater tots
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetable and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Optional: 1 cup (150 grams) frozen peas or green beans

Seasoning and Binding:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Select a large skillet and warm olive oil over medium heat, gently sautéing chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and aromatic.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, generously seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook thoroughly until the meat develops a rich, caramelized brown color. Carefully drain any accumulated fat.
4. Create a creamy sauce by incorporating cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
5. Transfer the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring an even, consistent layer across the bottom.
6. Distribute frozen peas or green beans evenly over the beef layer for added nutrition and color.
7. Carefully position frozen tater tots in a uniform pattern across the entire surface of the casserole, covering the entire dish.
8. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for golden-brown, crispy tater tots and bubbling edges.
9. Remove from oven, allow to cool briefly, then serve piping hot for maximum flavor and enjoyment.

Notes

• Customize the casserole by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option.
• Consider adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.
• Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and opting for reduced-fat cheese varieties.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling everything except the tater tots, then add them just before baking to maintain their crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 436 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg