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Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

This comforting Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef combines crispy tater tots, savory lean ground beef, creamy condensed mushroom soup, and melty cheddar cheese into a delicious and easy-to-make casserole perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights. Ready in under an hour, this one-dish meal delivers warm, satisfying flavors with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Base

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup diced onions

Sauce and Vegetables

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)

Topping

  • 2 cups frozen tater tots
  • 1 to cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions until translucent. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until fully browned. Season with salt and pepper. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  3. Combine Soup and Veggies: Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and frozen mixed vegetables (if using) into the browned beef mixture. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors and soften the vegetables.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly spread shredded cheddar cheese on top, then layer a generous amount of frozen tater tots evenly over the cheese.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the casserole is bubbling at the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and keep the casserole from becoming soggy.
  • Cook ground beef in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding and ensure even browning.
  • Both frozen and fresh vegetables work; adjust cooking time slightly if using fresh veggies.
  • Allow casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking for easier serving and better flavor integration.
  • For extra cheesiness, add a sprinkle of cheddar cheese halfway through baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, baked casserole