Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This hearty casserole combines savory ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, melted cheddar, and crispy tater tots for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add the diced onions and cook until they soften. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices like garlic powder or paprika. Drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, mixing well with the beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4. Step 4: Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
6. Step 6: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
7. Step 7: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
8. Step 8: 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.
9. Step 9: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the beef mixture.
• Use sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder taste or mix in some mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery for a different twist.
• Top with chopped green onions or fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and the cheese is melty again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it uncovered for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

While fresh potatoes can work, tater tots provide a crispy texture that’s hard to replicate. If using fresh potatoes, parboil and partially roast them before layering to ensure they cook through and stay crispy.

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 91 reviews

This comforting Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish combining savory browned beef, creamy mushroom sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and bakes to golden perfection for a satisfying one-dish meal.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef Mixture

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite spices

Sauce

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup sour cream

Cheese and Topping

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices like garlic powder or paprika. Drain any excess fat to keep the mixture from getting greasy.
3. Make the Cream Sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream into the beef mixture, blending well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the mixture to heat through.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking. Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
5. Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture, adding a creamy, savory layer.
6. Arrange Tater Tots: Place the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the cheese layer, which will crisp up nicely during baking.
7. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
8. Add Final Cheese Layer: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the crispy tater tots. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
9. Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier.

Notes

• For extra flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture.
• Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for a different twist.
• Use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese to decrease fat content if desired.
• The casserole can be assembled in advance and baked when ready to serve.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: Tater Tot Casserole, Ground Beef Casserole, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Cheesy Casserole, Family Meal