The Ultimate Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef Recipe

Hearty midwestern comfort shines through in this tater tot casserole with ground beef that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Layers of crispy potato nuggets nestle atop seasoned meat for a delightful texture adventure.

Every bite brings rich, savory flavors that remind you of childhood dinners.

Simplicity defines this dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes hard.

Minimal ingredients combine to create a meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this casserole comes together without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.

You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds before the first serving disappears.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work great as substitutes for ground beef in this casserole.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Choose gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure your tater tots are gluten-free to adapt the recipe.

• How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Mix in frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn with the ground beef before baking for extra nutrition.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Assemble the casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

What Makes Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef So Popular

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a hearty, satisfying meal that brings everyone together with its classic ground beef and tater tot combination.
• Quick Family Dinner Hero: Requires minimal prep and cooking skills, making it perfect for busy households seeking a no-fuss, delicious main course.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable, readily available ingredients that stretch to feed multiple people without breaking the bank, ideal for large families or gatherings.
• One-Pan Wonder: Simplifies cooking and cleanup with a single baking dish, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after meal preparation.

Ingredients for Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this comforting casserole.
• Tater Tots: Crispy potato nuggets that create a golden, crunchy topping for the dish.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy sauce that adds rich flavor and moisture to the casserole.

• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, delicious layer over the beef.

• Onion, Salt, Pepper: Aromatics and seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the ground beef mixture.

How to Prepare Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

Grab a large skillet and toss in the ground beef and diced onions. Cook over medium heat, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon until it’s nicely browned and the onions turn soft and translucent.

Drain away any extra grease to keep the dish from getting too oily.

Step 2: Season and Spread the Beef

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the beef mixture, giving it a good stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Transfer the seasoned beef to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out in a uniform layer.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base Layer

Grab a can of cream of mushroom soup and spread it smoothly over the beef layer.

This will create a rich, creamy foundation for the casserole.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the cream of mushroom soup.

The cheese will melt and create a delicious, gooey topping.

Step 5: Top with Crispy Tater Tots

Carefully arrange frozen tater tots in neat rows across the top of the cheese layer.

Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum crispiness.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into a preheated oven at 350°F.

Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the tater tots turn a beautiful golden brown and become delightfully crisp. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Scoop out generous portions onto plates and serve while it’s hot and deliciously crispy.

Tips for Perfect Tater Tot Casserole

• Skip draining fat completely to keep the meat extra juicy and flavorful.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a lighter taste variation.
• Add frozen mixed vegetables between beef and soup layer for extra nutrition and color.
• Experiment with different cheese types like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for bolder flavors.
• Use low-sodium soup and cheese if watching salt intake, and opt for lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content.

Variations to Enjoy with Tater Tot Casserole

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that keeps the casserole's hearty texture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute tater tots with cauliflower florets or zucchini slices to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a similar baked casserole style.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle taco seasoning into the beef mixture for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Tater Tot Casserole

Cozy Family Feast: Gather around the table and enjoy this hearty casserole that brings everyone together with its comforting layers and crispy tater tot topping.

Potluck Champion: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to your next gathering – it’s sure to disappear quickly and earn you major culinary kudos from friends and family.

Game Day Delight: Perfect for sports watching parties, this filling casserole feeds a hungry crowd with minimal prep and maximum flavor that’ll keep everyone cheering.

Weeknight Warrior Meal: Quickly assemble this simple one-pan dinner that delivers serious satisfaction with minimal kitchen cleanup, making busy nights way easier.

Best Storage Tips for Tater Tot Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the casserole in the original baking dish, covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Separate portions into individual containers for easier reheating and storage.
• Consider freezing the casserole for longer storage up to 2-3 months.

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty tater tot casserole with ground beef delivers comfort food nostalgia from Midwestern kitchens. Rich layers of seasoned beef, crispy potato tots, and melted cheese promise satisfying warmth for hungry families.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of mushroom soup

Vegetables and Starch:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 bag (32 ounces/907 grams) frozen tater tots
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C), ensuring a consistent temperature for even cooking.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté ground beef with onions until meat is thoroughly browned and vegetables are translucent, carefully draining any accumulated grease.
3. Season the beef and onion mixture with salt and pepper, then distribute uniformly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Create a smooth layer of cream of mushroom soup directly over the seasoned meat, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the soup layer, creating a rich and melty foundation.
6. Meticulously arrange frozen tater tots in a uniform grid pattern, covering the entire cheese and soup surface.
7. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, monitoring until tater tots turn golden brown and crisp, with cheese melted and bubbling.
8. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving, which helps the casserole set and makes portioning easier.
9. Serve hot, providing a comforting and hearty meal that combines savory beef, creamy soup, melted cheese, and crispy potato tots.

Notes

• Consider using lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup with a homemade cream sauce for a fresher, less processed alternative.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack to add unique taste dimensions.
• For gluten-free adaptation, use gluten-free cream soup or make a roux-based substitute with cornstarch.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg