If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe is exactly what you need. Featuring a rich, creamy beef mixture, crispy golden tater tots, and gooey melted cheddar cheese, it combines simple, pantry-friendly ingredients into a dish that’s hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this casserole brings layers of flavor and texture that turn everyday staples into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this dish plays a wonderful role, from the savory ground beef to the irresistible crunch of tater tots, creating a perfect balance of taste and texture that’s surprisingly easy to achieve.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star protein that brings hearty flavor and richness to the casserole.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Provides the creamy, comforting base that binds everything together.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the mushroom soup while adding smooth creaminess.
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots: The crispy, golden topping that makes this casserole irresistible.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top, adding sharpness and gooey texture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light grease to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick and comes out in one glorious, intact piece.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks to ensure it’s browned evenly. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat so your casserole isn’t greasy but still juicy.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
Add the chopped onion right to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions soften and turn translucent. This step adds a subtle sweetness and aroma that elevates the entire dish.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Beef Mixture
Next, stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk, mixing thoroughly until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This creates a creamy, flavorful base where every bite melts in your mouth.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread your creamy beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Then, pull out those frozen tater tots and layer them across the top in a single, crispy layer. This will bake into the irresistible golden crust everyone loves.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Pop your dish into the oven and let it bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the tater tots are perfectly crisp and golden brown. The smell coming from your kitchen will be impossible to resist.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Final Bake
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the hot tater tots and bake for another 5 minutes. This last bake melts the cheese into a luscious, gooey topping that pulls the whole dish together.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Give the casserole a few minutes to cool so it sets just right. Then dig into this cozy dish, ideally with a big smile and eager appetite—you deserve every flavorful bite of this classic Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe!
How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness that lightens this rich dish beautifully. For a bit of zest, some crushed red pepper flakes can add a welcome kick.
Side Dishes
This casserole is great on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness with some refreshing crunch and nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins topped with an extra sprinkle of cheese or bacon bits. You can also swap cheddar for pepper jack to spice it up or add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to elevate the flavor even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for another delicious meal.
Freezing
This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe freezes wonderfully. Assemble the casserole but do not bake it first; freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, just add extra baking time as needed.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the top is crisp again. You can also microwave portions for convenience, though it won’t stay quite as crispy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of soup instead of cream of mushroom?
Absolutely! Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can be great substitutes and will create delicious variations while maintaining the creamy texture essential to this casserole.
Is there a way to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute, and use a vegetarian mushroom soup to keep all the comforting flavors intact.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely. Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas can be mixed into the beef mixture before baking for an added burst of flavor and nutrition.
What can I use if I don’t have tater tots?
If tater tots are unavailable, small frozen hash browns or even thinly sliced potatoes layered on top will work well, though tater tots give the best crispy texture.
How can I make the cheese topping extra gooey?
Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting. Adding a bit of cream cheese mixed with the cheddar before sprinkling over the top also creates a wonderfully creamy layer.
Final Thoughts
This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe is a timeless classic that never fails to bring comfort and smiles at the table. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients, yet delivers rich flavors and textures that feel like a special treat. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how this humble casserole can become your new favorite go-to dinner!
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Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for a family dinner. It features savory ground beef cooked with onions and a creamy mushroom soup base, topped with crispy baked tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Ready in just 45 minutes, this casserole is both simple to prepare and satisfyingly flavorful.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked beef and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent, enhancing the flavor base.
- Make the Creamy Beef Mixture: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk to the beef and onion mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until well combined and heated through.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Then, layer the frozen tater tots evenly over the top to create a crispy crust as they bake.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots turn golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Add Cheese and Final Bake: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set slightly. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup based on your preference.
- For a bit of crunch, consider adding chopped green peppers or mushrooms when sautéing the onions.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the cream of mushroom soup and tater tots are labeled gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder can enhance the seasoning of the beef mixture.
