Description
Hearty tater tot casserole with ground beef delights families with classic Midwestern comfort cuisine. Layered beef, crispy potato tots, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (lean preferred)
- 1 package (32 oz/907 g) frozen tater tots
- 2 cups (226 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz/298 g) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup (150 g) frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup (60 g) bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup (40 g) jalapenos, diced (optional)
- 1/2 cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
- Green onions or parsley for garnish
- Cream of chicken soup (optional substitute)
- A few dashes hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C), ensuring a consistent temperature for even cooking.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles while cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
- Drain any excess fat from the meat to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Incorporate cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika into the meat mixture, creating a rich and flavorful base.
- Add mixed vegetables to the skillet, stirring gently to distribute evenly and warm through.
- Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and promote easy serving.
- Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it uniformly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the meat layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a neat, overlapping pattern on top of the cheese layer.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until tater tots turn golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes to set.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or parsley for added color and fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- Customize your casserole by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian option.
- Add extra depth to the flavor by incorporating a splash of red wine or a dash of smoked paprika during the meat cooking stage.
- Enhance nutritional value by mixing in additional vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach for more color and nutrients.
- Consider preparing the casserole ahead of time and refrigerating before baking, which allows flavors to meld and makes weeknight dinner prep easier.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg