Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together the savory flavors of beef, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy tater tots. It’s an easy recipe that works great for family dinners or potlucks, making it a favorite for many. This dish offers a satisfying meal in one pan, perfect for busy nights when you want something quick yet delicious.
Why Make This Recipe
This casserole is a go-to for anyone wanting a hearty meal without a lot of fuss. It combines simple ingredients and minimal prep time with a big payoff in taste. The kids and adults alike will love this dish, making it a hit at the dinner table. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that allows you to customize it with your favorite spices and ingredients!
How to Make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite spices
Directions:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add diced onions and cook until they soften. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices like garlic powder or paprika. Drain any excess fat.
- Combine with cream sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, mixing well with the beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Layer in the casserole dish: Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Add cheese layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
- Add tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Add final cheese layer: Remove the casserole from the oven and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Serve Tater Tot Casserole warm straight from the oven. It pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. This dish is great for family meals or gatherings, as everyone can scoop out their portion from the pan.
How to Store Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just ensure to thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
- For extra flavor, try adding some Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or corn to make the casserole even heartier.
- Using a combination of cheddar cheese with other cheeses like mozzarella can give a delightful twist.
Variation
If you want a healthier version, consider swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can also use cream of chicken soup instead of the cream of mushroom soup. Experiment with different cheeses based on your preference!
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Yes! You can cut fresh potatoes into small pieces, season them, and bake them until crispy before adding them on top of the casserole.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can replace ground beef with a plant-based protein or cooked lentils. Make sure to use a vegetarian cream soup for the creamy base.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep the casserole the day before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven and bake when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Print
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious and comforting dish combining ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy tater tots, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite spices
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add diced onions and cook until they soften. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices like garlic powder or paprika. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, mixing well with the beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve warm with a side salad or steamed vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg