Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a beloved comfort food that brings back nostalgic memories for many. This dish combines crispy tater tots with savory ground beef and creamy textures, making it the perfect family meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress at gatherings, this casserole has you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef:
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots creates an irresistible flavor profile.
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for busy nights.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this hearty casserole, making it a great option for family meals.
- Easy Meal Prep: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked when you’re ready to serve.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or spices to tailor the dish to your taste.
Ingredients Needed:
- Protein:
- 1 lb ground beef
- Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, diced
- Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Casserole Base:
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Seasoning:
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite spices
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ 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.
3️⃣ 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.
4️⃣ Layer in the casserole dish: Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
5️⃣ Add cheese layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
6️⃣ Add tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
7️⃣ Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
8️⃣ 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.
9️⃣ Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Tater Tot Casserole
This comforting casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables. Consider serving with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top for added flavor.
Tips for Success with Tater Tot Casserole
- For added flavor, feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables, such as corn or diced bell peppers, into the beef mixture.
- Make sure to spread the tater tots in a single layer for optimal crispiness.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- Customize the cheese by using a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a unique twist.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with black beans or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
- Cheesy Spinach Tater Tot Casserole: Add spinach to the beef mixture and increase the cheese content for a richer flavor.
FAQs
Can I freeze Tater Tot Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, opt for a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure your tater tots are gluten-free as well.
Can I substitute the ground beef with something else?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well, and you can also use cooked sausage for a different flavor profile.
Equipment
- skillet
- Casserole dish
- Oven
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or other 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.
