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.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Tater Tot Casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, family dinner, baked casserole, cheesy casserole, gluten-free casserole