Name: Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
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 other favorite spices

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Why Make This Recipe

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a cozy comfort food dish that brings smiles to the dinner table. It’s simple, tasty, and loved by both kids and adults. The combination of crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, and creamy cheese makes it a winner for any family meal or potluck. Plus, it requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights!

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

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.

How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Serve your Tater Tot Casserole warm, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a side salad or some steamed veggies for a balanced meal. You can also top it with some fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

How to Store Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the casserole for longer storage. Just make sure to cover it well in plastic wrap or foil and then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Tips to Make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

For extra flavor, feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn into the beef mixture.
You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, for a twist on the flavor.

Variation

You can customize your Tater Tot Casserole by adding ingredients like cooked bacon or even some chili for a spicy kick. You can also replace the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cheese soup for different flavors.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Yes, you can use thinly sliced fresh potatoes, but keep in mind that they may need a longer cooking time.

Is this casserole kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Most kids love the taste of tater tots and cheese, making it a hit for family dinners.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.