Description
This comforting Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a hearty, family-friendly dish that combines savory browned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy golden tater tots topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it features a savory blend of flavors and textures sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas or green beans (optional)
Dairy and Canned Goods
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Other Ingredients
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using cooking spray or a light coating of oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, stir in frozen peas or green beans and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the soup and sour cream mixture over the beef and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sauce layer. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese layer.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set, making it easier to portion and enjoy.
Notes
- You can swap frozen peas or green beans with other vegetables like corn or diced bell peppers to add variety.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- To make it lower fat, use lean ground beef and reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
- Make ahead tip: Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding extra baking time if cold from the fridge.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
