Why Make This Recipe
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting and easy meal that brings joy to dinner time. This dish is loved for its hearty ingredients and satisfying flavors. It is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings. Plus, it combines simple ingredients that you may already have at home, making it a great go-to recipe for busy schedules.
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 this delicious casserole hot from the oven. It can be a meal on its own or paired with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner.
How to Store Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and it will last for about 2-3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven or microwave.
Tips to Make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
- For added flavor, try using different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or corn for some extra nutrition.
- If you want a spicier kick, include diced jalapeños or sprinkle some chili powder in the beef mixture.
Variation
You can customize your Tater Tot Casserole with different meats, such as ground turkey or chicken, for a lighter option. Additionally, you can experiment with different cream soups, like chicken or broccoli cheddar, for a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole in advance, cover it, and keep it in the fridge overnight. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Yes, you can use freshly cut potatoes. Simply slice or dice them and parboil them before layering them in the casserole.
3. Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or omit the meat entirely. Add extra vegetables instead for flavor and texture.
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef for less fat.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 small onion, diced Finely diced for even cooking.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided Reserve half for topping.
- 1 bag frozen tater tots (32 oz)
- Salt and pepper, to taste Adjust according to preference.
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite spices Customize to taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 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. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, mixing well with the beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- 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.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.