Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

Introduction

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. This layered casserole combines savory ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy tater tots for a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add the diced onions and cook until softened. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices like garlic powder or paprika. Drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, mixing well with the beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4. Step 4: Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
6. Step 6: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
7. Step 7: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
8. Step 8: 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.
9. Step 9: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture while cooking.
• Try swapping cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or celery soup for a different taste.
• Add frozen mixed vegetables to the beef mixture for more color and nutrients.
• Use spicy cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a little kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

Yes, you can use peeled and diced potatoes, but they should be par-cooked or boiled until tender before layering, as fresh potatoes take longer to bake.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 88 reviews

This hearty Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting, easy-to-make dish featuring a savory blend of browned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, tangy sour cream, and melted cheddar cheese, all topped with crispy golden tater tots. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines rich flavors with satisfying textures in a baked casserole.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef Mixture

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite spices

Cheese

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Topping

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add the diced onions and cook until they are softened. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and optional spices such as garlic powder or paprika. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Combine with Cream Sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream into the beef mixture, mixing thoroughly. Continue cooking the mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4. Layer the Casserole: Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
5. Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture, creating an even layer.
6. Arrange Tater Tots: Place the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
7. Bake the Casserole: Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots become golden and crispy.
8. Add Final Cheese Layer: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving to let the layers set and to avoid burns.

Notes

• You can customize the seasoning to suit your taste by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary.
• For a creamier texture, add a little milk or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture.
• Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheese flavor.
• Ensure tater tots are arranged in a single layer for even baking and crispiness.
• Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Keywords: Tater Tot Casserole, Ground Beef Recipe, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Baked Casserole, Cheesy Tater Tots