Name: Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 can cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1/2 cup milk; 1 package frozen tater tots; Salt and pepper to taste

If you're looking for a cozy, hearty, and family-friendly dish, look no further than this Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this casserole combines the best of savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots for a comforting meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Read on to discover how to make this delicious casserole from scratch, as well as tips on substitutions, variations, and more!

What is Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef?

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a classic American dish that layers browned ground beef, often mixed with vegetables like onions, peas, or green beans, under a rich and creamy sauce. The entire mixture is then topped with a crispy layer of tater tots, baked to perfection in the oven. The result is a savory, satisfying comfort food that combines flavors and textures everyone will love. It’s the perfect dish for those cold nights when you’re craving something hearty, or when you need a reliable, quick-to-make meal that tastes like home.

Ingredients List for Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef

Before you begin cooking, gather these ingredients:

1 pound ground beef (80% lean is ideal for a balance of flavor and fat)
1 small onion, diced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken for a different flavor)
½ cup sour cream (adds richness and tang)
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional, such as peas, carrots, corn, or green beans)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided; you’ll use half for mixing and half for topping)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 bag frozen tater tots (about 32 oz)
Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish

Additional Ingredients (Optional)

For those who love adding extra flavor and texture to their casseroles, here are some optional ingredients that can elevate your dish:

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (adds a deeper, savory flavor to the beef)
Bacon bits for added crunch and smokiness
Green onions for garnish
Hot sauce for a kick of heat

Substitutions and Variations

This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef recipe is highly adaptable to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

Ground turkey or chicken: Swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
Vegetarian version: Use a meat substitute like crumbled tofu, lentils, or plant-based ground "beef" to make this a vegetarian meal. Also, make sure to use a vegetarian-friendly cream of mushroom soup.
Different cheeses: Swap out cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese for a twist in flavor.
Cream of chicken soup: Instead of cream of mushroom, you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a variation in taste.
Low-carb version: Replace the tater tots with roasted cauliflower florets for a lower-carb alternative.
Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the actual cooking process for this delicious casserole. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have dinner ready in no time.

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
Cook the ground beef and onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onions until the beef is browned and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes). Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Season the beef: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef. Stir to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Mix in the soup and sour cream: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until well combined. This will create a creamy sauce that coats the beef.
Add vegetables: If you're using mixed vegetables, stir them into the beef mixture. This step is optional but adds extra nutrition and texture to the dish.
Layer the casserole: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Add cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
Top with tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese and beef mixture. Make sure they are evenly spread out for maximum crispiness.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Add more cheese: In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots and return to the oven until the cheese melts.
Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

How to Cook Tater Tot Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

To summarize the steps for making Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef:

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Cook the ground beef and onions, then drain excess fat.
Season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and optional vegetables.
Spread the beef mixture in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Layer shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef mixture.
Top with a single layer of tater tots.
Bake for 30-40 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
Add more cheese in the last few minutes of baking.
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this casserole is easy to make, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

Not draining the beef: Failing to drain the excess fat from the beef can make the casserole too greasy.
Soggy tater tots: Avoid overcrowding the tater tots, and make sure they’re placed in a single layer to ensure they crisp up nicely.
Undercooking the tater tots: If your tater tots are still soft, bake the casserole for an additional 5-10 minutes to achieve that perfect crunch.
Skipping the cheese topping: The final layer of melted cheese adds richness and flavor—don’t forget to add it!

Serving and Presentation Tips

To take this dish to the next level, follow these serving and presentation tips:

Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions can add a pop of color and freshness.
Serve with a side salad: Balance out the richness of the casserole with a fresh, crisp salad on the side.
Add a dipping sauce: Serve with ketchup, ranch dressing, or even hot sauce for those who like a bit of extra flavor.

How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a versatile dish that can be served as the main course. Simply spoon generous portions onto plates and pair it with a green vegetable or salad. For a heartier meal, you can also serve it alongside cornbread or rolls.

Presentation Ideas for Tater Tot Casserole

To make your casserole stand out, consider these presentation ideas:

Individual servings: Instead of making one large casserole, divide the mixture into smaller, individual-sized baking dishes. This adds a personal touch and allows for neat portions.
Layered glass dish: Use a clear glass casserole dish to show off the layers of beef, vegetables, cheese, and crispy tater tots.
Top with colorful garnishes: Sprinkle chopped green onions, red pepper flakes, or even a dollop of sour cream on top for a festive look.

Tater Tot Casserole Recipe Tips

For extra crispiness, bake the tater tots on their own for 10 minutes before layering them on the casserole.
Make ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked casserole for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding an additional 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
A: Yes, but be sure to cook them slightly before adding them to the casserole to ensure they’re tender.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, refrigerate, and bake it when ready to serve.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Q: Can I use other types of meat?
A: Yes, ground chicken, turkey, or even sausage work great as substitutes for ground beef.

Conclusion

Whether you're preparing for a weeknight dinner or a potluck with friends, this Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a go-to recipe that’s both easy and delicious. Its crispy, cheesy topping and rich, savory filling make it a family favorite, and with all the variations and substitutions, it’s a dish you can tailor to your liking. Try this recipe today and see why it’s a classic comfort food that never goes out of style!