Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
The beauty of this recipe is how simple it is to pull together without sacrificing flavor. The ground beef is cooked with onions, garlic, and a touch of seasoning, making it rich and savory.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven Mitts
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef Layer:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables optional
For the Sauce:
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup milk
For the Tater Tot Topping:
- 1 32 oz bag frozen tater tots
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese optional for extra cheesy topping
Instructions
Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease your 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray.
- Lay out your tater tots so they’re ready to top the casserole later.
- Pro Tip: Greasing the dish ensures the cheesy, saucy layers won’t stick to the bottom.
Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until it starts to brown, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
- Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Pro Tip: Don’t drain all the fat—leave a tablespoon for flavor, it helps the veggies taste richer.
Add Vegetables (Optional)
- Stir in your frozen mixed vegetables if using.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes until they’re slightly tender but still vibrant.
Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk.
- Whisk together until smooth and creamy.
- Pro Tip: Whisk continuously to prevent lumps and make a silky sauce that blends perfectly with the beef.
Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the beef and veggies, spreading it gently with a spatula.
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top.
- Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese over the tots if desired.
- Pro Tip: Make sure the tater tots aren’t stacked—they brown better in a single layer.
Bake to Perfection
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- For an extra crispy topping, switch to broil for the last 2–3 minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t burn.
Serve and Enjoy
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving—it helps everything set nicely.
- Scoop generous portions onto plates and enjoy warm, cheesy bites of comfort.
Notes
Nutritional Value (per serving – approximate)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg