Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting and delicious dish that brings together the savory flavors of ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy tater tots. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this casserole is easy to prepare and always a hit. Whether you’re cooking for kids or adults, this dish is sure to please everyone!

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a fantastic choice for several reasons. First, it’s simple and requires minimal ingredients—many of which you might already have at home. Second, it’s a real crowd-pleaser, combining familiar tastes in a fun way. Plus, it can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Overall, Tater Tot Casserole offers convenience, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite!

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

Serve Tater Tot Casserole warm right out of the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. Just scoop it onto plates and enjoy the combinations of flavors and textures. This casserole can also be a great dish for potlucks.

How to Store Tater Tot Casserole

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick meals.

Tips to Make Tater Tot Casserole

Feel free to add some vegetables like peas or corn to the beef mixture for extra nutrients.
For a bit of spice, you can add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of hot sauce.
Try using different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a twist.

Variation

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground beef with a meat alternative, such as crumbled tempeh or lentils. You may also use cream of potato soup instead of cream of mushroom for a different flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

Yes, you can use freshly diced potatoes, but they will need to be par-cooked to ensure they bake thoroughly in the casserole.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two. Just bake it when ready to serve!

3. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes, look for gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check the tater tot brand to ensure it is gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the casserole without the gluten!