Try Our Hearty Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef Recipe Tonight

Comfort comes alive in this hearty tater tot casserole with ground beef that promises a delightful twist on classic home cooking.

Crispy potato nuggets nestle atop a savory layer of seasoned meat and vegetables.

Layers of melted cheese create a rich, creamy backdrop for this crowd-pleasing dish.

Weeknight dinners find their perfect match with this no-fuss recipe that combines simple ingredients into something magical.

Family members will eagerly gather around the table, anticipating each delicious forkful.

Minimal prep and maximum flavor make this casserole a true weeknight champion.

Storage Advice for Tater Tot Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent burning. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.
• Transfer portion to microwave-safe dish, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed and steaming hot.

FAQs

• Is this casserole kid-friendly?

Yes! This tater tot casserole is perfect for kids because it combines familiar ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and crispy tater tots that most children love.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken can easily replace beef if you prefer a leaner protein option for the casserole.

• How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is ready when the tater tots turn golden brown and crispy on top, and the cheese is melted and bubbly around the edges.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Overview

• Tackle Weeknight Hunger: This hearty casserole delivers a complete meal in one dish, making dinner preparation a breeze for busy families.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap vegetables or add extra cheese to match your family's taste preferences, creating a personalized comfort food experience.
• Kid-Approved Dinner Winner: Crispy tater tots and cheesy beef mixture make this a crowd-pleaser that will have children asking for seconds.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Combines affordable ingredients like ground beef, frozen vegetables, and tater tots into a satisfying meal that won't break the bank.

Ingredients for Tater Tot Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides protein and richness to the casserole.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness to the ground beef mixture.

• Mixed Vegetables: Brings color, nutrition, and variety to the casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a creamy, savory sauce that helps bind the ingredients together.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Shredded Cheese: Provides a melty, golden layer of deliciousness on top of the casserole.
• Frozen Tater Tots: Offers a crispy, golden-brown potato topping that adds texture and comfort.

Preparation Steps for Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) to create the perfect cooking environment for this comforting casserole.

Step 2: Cook Beef and Onions

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onions over medium heat.

Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Build the Beef Mixture

• Ground beef and onion mixture
• Mixed vegetables
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir all ingredients until well combined and evenly distributed.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the savory beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring an even layer that will provide a delicious foundation for the casserole.

Step 5: Add Cheese Layer

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the beef mixture, creating a melty, gooey layer that will add richness to the dish.

Step 6: Top with Tater Tots

Arrange frozen tater tots in a single, even layer across the top of the cheese, covering the entire surface of the casserole.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Look for crispy, golden-brown tater tots and a bubbling cheese layer as signs of doneness.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the ultimate comfort food.

Tips for Tater Tot Casserole

• Remove all excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a crisp texture.
• Spread beef mixture evenly and place tater tots in a single, uniform layer for consistent cooking and maximum crispiness.
• Experiment with different cheese types like cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend for unique flavor profiles.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and enhance overall taste.

Variations for Tater Tot Casserole

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a meat-free version that maintains protein and flavor.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute tater tots with cauliflower florets or sliced zucchini rounds to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the casserole's comforting texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Swap shredded cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives and use coconut milk-based cream soup for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Serving Suggestions for Tater Tot Casserole

• Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, savory flavors and add a fresh crunch.
• Comfort Sidekick: Pair with tangy pickles or coleslaw to cut through the creamy texture and provide a zesty contrast to the warm, cheesy dish.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Top with a sunny-side-up egg or sprinkle with chopped fresh chives for an extra layer of flavor and a brunch-style presentation.
• Crowd-Pleaser Hack: Offer hot sauce or ranch dressing on the side, letting guests customize their plate and enjoy personalized flavor combinations.

Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty tater tot casserole blends comforting Midwestern flavors with savory ground beef and crispy potato nuggets. Layers of melted cheese, seasoned meat, and golden tots create a satisfying meal that draws families together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 cups frozen tater tots
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a sizzling 375°F (190°C), preparing for a hearty comfort meal.
2. In a large skillet, sauté ground beef with diced onions over medium heat, thoroughly draining any excess grease to ensure a rich, clean flavor profile.
3. Introduce mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, and season generously with salt and pepper, creating a robust and flavorful base mixture.
4. Transfer the savory beef and vegetable medley into a well-greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly to create a consistent foundation.
5. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface, providing a melty, golden layer of deliciousness.
6. Meticulously arrange frozen tater tots in a uniform layer, covering the entire cheese-topped mixture to ensure maximum crispy coverage.
7. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking for 30-35 minutes until the tater tots transform into a gloriously crisp, golden-brown crust.
8. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, letting the flavors meld and settle before serving this comforting dish.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
• Customize the vegetables by using fresh or seasonal produce for added nutrition and flavor variety.
• Experiment with different cheese types like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a unique taste profile.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 438 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg