Description
A classic, comforting Tater Tot Casserole featuring savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy golden tater tots topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy family dinner that’s hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
Condiments and Liquids
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
Other
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Continue until browned and no longer pink, then drain any excess fat for a leaner dish.
- Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked beef and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and softened, enhancing the flavor.
- Make the Creamy Beef Mixture: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk into the beef and onion mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine all the flavors.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the creamy beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, evenly layer the frozen tater tots on top of the beef mixture, covering the entire surface.
- 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 on the outside.
- Add Cheese and Final Bake: Remove the casserole briefly and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes to set, then serve warm. Enjoy this hearty, delicious comfort food with your family or friends.
Notes
- For added veggies, consider mixing in frozen peas or corn with the beef mixture before baking.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for a different flavor twist.
- Feel free to add a dash of garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra seasoning.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the cream of mushroom soup and tater tots are gluten-free varieties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 casserole)
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
