Name: Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite seasonings

Need a quick, easy, and comforting meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than the classic Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef! This hearty dish combines seasoned ground beef, creamy soup, and crispy tater tots, all baked together to golden perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort food that's simple to make and packed with flavor. Whether you're preparing dinner for a busy weeknight or looking for a dish to take to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Read on to learn how to make this delicious casserole, plus tips, variations, and serving suggestions.

What is Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef?

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a cozy, one-dish meal featuring ground beef layered with vegetables, a creamy sauce, and topped with crispy tater tots. It’s baked until bubbly and golden, with the tater tots providing a deliciously crunchy topping. The casserole is a comforting combination of flavors and textures, and it’s incredibly easy to customize with different vegetables, seasonings, or cheese. It’s a go-to dish for busy families, as it requires minimal prep and uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.

Ingredients List for Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Gather the following ingredients to make this comforting casserole:

Main Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef – Lean or extra-lean ground beef works best, but any variety will do.
1 medium onion – Diced to add flavor to the ground beef.
2 cloves garlic – Minced for an extra layer of savory flavor.
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup – Provides the creamy base for the casserole.
½ cup milk – To thin out the soup and create a creamy sauce.
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables – Corn, peas, carrots, or green beans work well.
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots – These will create the crispy topping.
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – For a gooey, cheesy layer.
Salt and pepper – To taste, for seasoning the beef.
1 tablespoon olive oil – For cooking the onions and garlic.

Optional Ingredients:

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds extra depth of flavor to the ground beef.
1 teaspoon paprika – For a subtle smoky flavor.
½ cup sour cream – Adds extra creaminess to the casserole.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley – For garnish.

Substitutions and Variations

This casserole is highly customizable, and you can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:

Meat alternatives: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter version of the dish.
Vegetable boost: Add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Cheese variety: Try using mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
Cream soup swap: If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken, cream of celery, or make a homemade béchamel sauce.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture if you like a little heat.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free cream soup and make sure the tater tots are gluten-free as well.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef step by step:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter and set aside.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease from the pan.

3. Season the Beef

Season the cooked beef with salt, pepper, and, if desired, Worcestershire sauce and paprika. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.

4. Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream (if using). Stir until smooth and well-blended. If you want a saucier casserole, you can add a little extra milk or broth to thin the sauce slightly.

5. Assemble the Casserole

In the prepared baking dish, spread the seasoned ground beef mixture in an even layer. Next, add the frozen mixed vegetables on top of the beef. Pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over the top. Make sure everything is well-distributed and covered by the sauce.

6. Add the Cheese and Tater Tots

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the creamy beef and vegetable mixture. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, making sure the tater tots cover the entire casserole.

7. Bake the Casserole

Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like extra crispy tater tots, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

8. Let it Rest and Serve

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a pop of color and flavor.

How to Cook Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick summary of how to prepare this classic casserole:

Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
Cook ground beef with onions and garlic until browned.
Season the beef and prepare a creamy mixture with cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream.
Layer the beef, vegetables, and creamy mixture in the baking dish.
Top with shredded cheese and arrange tater tots on top.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let the casserole rest before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

Not cooking the beef long enough: Make sure to fully brown the ground beef before assembling the casserole to avoid undercooked meat.
Forgetting to drain excess grease: After browning the beef, drain any excess grease to prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy.
Overcrowding the tater tots: Ensure that the tater tots are in a single layer on top of the casserole so they can bake evenly and get crispy.
Skipping the rest time: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together and make it easier to serve.

Serving and Presentation Tips

While the Tater Tot Casserole is a complete meal on its own, you can pair it with side dishes or add garnishes to elevate the presentation.

How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole:

With a side salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the rich, savory casserole.
With roasted vegetables: Serve the casserole with roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli to add some healthy greens to the meal.
With dinner rolls: Soft dinner rolls or garlic bread can be served alongside for a satisfying, comforting meal.

Presentation Ideas for Tater Tot Casserole:

Garnish with fresh herbs: Add freshly chopped parsley, chives, or green onions for a burst of color and flavor.
Family-style serving: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish in the center of the table for a casual, cozy meal.
Individual portions: Scoop the casserole into individual bowls or plates, and top with extra cheese or sour cream for a personalized touch.

Tater Tot Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are a few additional tips to help you get the best results:

Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Prepare the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Extra cheesy: For a cheesier casserole, stir some shredded cheese into the beef mixture before assembling the casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
A: Yes, you can use fresh vegetables like diced carrots, peas, or green beans. Just make sure to cook them briefly before adding them to the casserole to ensure they’re tender.

Q: Can I make this casserole without soup?
A: Absolutely! You can replace

the condensed soup with a homemade white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk, or use a cream cheese-based mixture for extra richness.

Q: How long does Tater Tot Casserole last in the fridge?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. It will result in a lighter, healthier dish without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion

This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to bring to a gathering, this casserole is sure to satisfy everyone’s appetite. With crispy tater tots on top, a creamy beef mixture underneath, and plenty of melted cheese, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step guide, and enjoy this delicious, satisfying meal tonight!