Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting and hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef mixed with creamy mushroom soup and sour cream, layered with shredded cheddar cheese and crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal that satisfies the whole family.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite spices
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Topping
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time you are ready to bake the casserole.
- Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices like garlic powder or paprika. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Combine with cream sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, mixing thoroughly with the beef and onion mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and well blended to build a creamy, flavorful base.
- Layer in the casserole dish: Grease a casserole dish lightly and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom, ensuring a uniform layer for even baking.
- Add cheese layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture to add richness and flavor.
- Add tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, covering the dish completely to create a crispy, golden topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy on top.
- Add final cheese layer: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots. 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 to allow it to set slightly for easier portioning and enhanced flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup if preferred.
- For extra flavor, try adding a handful of chopped green chilies or use smoked paprika as a seasoning.
- If you want a cheesier dish, mix some cheese into the beef mixture as well.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
