Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- 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.
- 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.
- Layer the Casserole: Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture, creating an even layer.
- Arrange Tater Tots: Place the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots become golden and crispy.
- 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.
- 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
