Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef. This dish combines tender ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and cheesy goodness topped with crispy tater tots. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, it brings together flavors and textures that will make your taste buds sing and your heart feel warm. Whether you grew up loving it or are discovering it for the first time, this casserole is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Why Make This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food. It’s simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and how can you resist a dish featuring crispy tater tots? This recipe is packed with protein and can feed a crowd—all while being incredibly delicious. You can easily customize it to suit your taste, and leftovers (if there are any) taste just as good the next day. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your creation!

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Making Tater Tot Casserole is a breeze! You only need a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time. First, you’ll cook the ground beef with onions until they are tender and flavorful. Then, you mix in the creamy ingredients and layer everything in your casserole dish before baking to golden perfection. The result is a comforting blend of flavors that can easily become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
½ cup sour cream
1 small onion, diced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite spices

Directions:

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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.
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.
Layer in the casserole dish: Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.

Add cheese layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
Add tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.

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.
Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 700mg
Total Carbohydrates: 36g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 20g

How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

This dish is incredibly versatile and perfect for a range of occasions, from casual family dinners to potlucks. Serve it hot straight from the oven, paired with a simple side salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and additional flavor. Don’t forget to provide plenty of forks; this casserole is sure to be a hit!

How to Store Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

If you have leftovers (which may be unlikely!), you can store Tater Tot Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or use the microwave for quick reheating. You can also freeze the casserole before baking it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Expert Tips for Perfect Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Beef options: Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Make it cheesy: If you’re a cheese lover, add another layer of cheese on top before baking for extra gooeyness.

Seasoning: Experiment with different seasonings like Italian herbs or taco seasoning for a fun twist.
Tater Tot variety: Try using seasoned tater tots or sweet potato tots for unique flavors.

Delicious Variations

Vegetable Delight: Add a cup of mixed vegetables, such as peas and carrots, to the beef mixture for added nutrition.

Spicy Option: Mix in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef for a kick of heat.
Chili Cheese Casserole: Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with chili for a heartier dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Yes! If you prefer, you can slice fresh potatoes into wedges or cubes, toss them in olive oil, and use them instead. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they become tender and crispy.
Can I assemble this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to your baking time if it’s cold from the refrigerator.

What can I serve with Tater Tot Casserole?
This casserole is fantastic with a side salad or steamed vegetables. You could also serve some garlic bread for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a winner in every aspect; it’s easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and offers layers of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. As you dig into the crispy tater tots, savory beef, and melted cheese, you’ll understand why this dish is a beloved classic. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and make it your own. Share your versions and tag your friends; comfort food is more enjoyable together! Enjoy your cooking adventure!