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Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

A comforting and hearty Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef featuring savory browned beef, creamy mushroom sauce, mixed vegetables, melted cheddar cheese, and a crispy tater tot topping. Perfect for an easy weeknight family dinner that is customizable, budget-friendly, and freezer-friendly.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb lean ground beef

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy & Sauce

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Others

  • 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat, then add finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are fragrant and tender.
  2. Combine Sauce and Vegetables: Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and frozen mixed vegetables into the beef. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes to warm through and allow flavors to meld.
  3. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly spread shredded cheddar cheese on top. Arrange frozen tater tots carefully over the cheese, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 30 to 40 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
  5. Let It Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to firm up and allow flavors to settle before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning beef to ensure even cooking and better flavor.
  • Use high-quality or homemade cream of mushroom soup for best creaminess.
  • Frozen mixed vegetables save prep time and keep the casserole moist, but fresh vegetables can be used for extra crunch.
  • The casserole can be assembled up to one day ahead and refrigerated until baking.
  • Check tater tots at 25 minutes to prevent over-browning or burning according to your oven’s heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, family meal, make-ahead casserole, budget-friendly dinner, gluten free casserole