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Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

A comforting and easy-to-make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef featuring crispy golden tater tots atop a savory, cheesy ground beef and vegetable mixture. Perfect for quick family dinners, this casserole balances richness, texture, and nostalgic flavor in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until it is nicely browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease for a leaner casserole.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the browned beef in the skillet. Cook until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, layering essential flavor into the mixture.
  3. Combine with Soup and Vegetables: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and frozen mixed vegetables until evenly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors well.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Finally, arrange the tater tots in a neat layer covering the entire surface.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown, and the cheese beneath is bubbly and melted.

Notes

  • Drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef to reduce greasiness and improve texture.
  • For extra cheesy results, add a layer of cheese beneath the tater tots as well as on top.
  • Use fresh garlic for a brighter and more robust flavor compared to powdered garlic.
  • Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning beef; brown in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
  • Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to make cutting and serving easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tater Tot Casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, family dinner, baked casserole, cheesy casserole, gluten-free casserole