Irresistible Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

Comfort comes alive in this hearty tater tot casserole packed with savory ground beef.

Midwestern kitchens have long celebrated these soul-warming dishes that bring everyone together.

Layers of crispy potato nuggets crown a rich, meaty base bursting with classic flavors.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying meals that make you smile.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with golden-brown potato tops for a crowd-pleasing experience.

Rustically delicious and easy to assemble, this recipe promises pure satisfaction.

Grab a fork and let the deliciousness begin!

Why Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef Recipe Delivers Comfort

• Quick Family Comfort: Whips up a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that kids and adults adore with minimal cooking skills required.
• Minimal Prep Time: Assembles in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast, satisfying dinner solution.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, frozen tater tots, and pantry staples, delivering maximum flavor without breaking the bank.
• One-Dish Wonder: Eliminates multiple pots and pans, providing an easy cleanup experience that saves time and reduces kitchen mess after cooking.

Key Items In Tater Tot Ground Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef: Rich, hearty meat that provides the main protein and foundation for the casserole. Lean beef works best for less grease.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that add depth and savory flavor to the meat base.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides creamy texture and helps bind ingredients together. Condensed version recommended.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and helps create a smooth, moist casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds sharp, sharp flavor and creamy texture.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a light, healthy cooking base.
• Frozen Tater Tots: Crispy potato topping that creates a golden, crunchy layer for the casserole. Choose classic style for best results.

Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole How-To

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F and get ready for a comfort food adventure.

Make sure your baking dish will fit perfectly inside.

Step 2: Sizzle the Beef

Grab a large skillet and start cooking your ground beef.

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic for extra flavor.

Season with salt and pepper to make it tasty.

Cook until the meat turns brown and drain away any excess grease.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, blend cream of mushroom soup with sour cream.

This magical mixture will add richness and moisture to your casserole.

Step 4: Build the First Layer

Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly across a greased baking dish.

Make sure it’s distributed smoothly so every bite is perfect.

Step 5: Pour on the Sauce

Gently drizzle the creamy soup mixture over the beef.

Use a spatula to ensure it covers everything evenly.

Step 6: Add the Crispy Topping

Arrange frozen tater tots in a neat layer across the top of the casserole.

Cover the entire surface for maximum crunchiness.

Step 7: Sprinkle Cheese Heaven

Generously shower shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.

The more cheese, the merrier!

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 40-45 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden blanket and the tater tots turn crispy and golden brown.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

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

This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Dig in and enjoy your comforting meal!

Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole With Pro Strategy

• Remove all excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a crispy top layer.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack or mozzarella for unique flavor profiles and added depth.
• Incorporate diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the beef mixture for extra nutrition and color.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify tater tots are gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Storing Tater Tot Ground Beef Casserole

• Store cooled casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain crispy tater tots.
• Heat individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming and prevent cold spots.

Satisfying Matches for Tater Tot Casserole

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, hearty flavors of ground beef and creamy cheese.
• Match with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light, tangy side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heaviness.
• Serve with Tangy Pickles: Add dill pickle spears or pickled vegetables to cut through the richness and provide a sharp, refreshing contrast to the creamy dish.
• Accompany with Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy American pale ale or amber ale that can stand up to the casserole's robust meat and cheese flavors.

Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole Ideas

• Vegetarian Veggie Blast: Replace ground beef with lentils, black beans, or crumbled plant-based meat, using vegetable soup instead of cream of mushroom for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Crunch: Swap tater tots with cauliflower florets, use zucchini rounds as a base, and keep the cheesy, creamy goodness for a lighter meal.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, and substitute regular tater tots with gluten-free potato rounds.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese, mixing in taco seasoning for a kickin' flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat for a different flavor and protein option.

• What can I do if I don't have cream of mushroom soup?

You can replace cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup or create a homemade white sauce using milk, flour, and seasonings.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Consider using lean ground beef, low-fat cream of mushroom soup, reduced-fat cheese, and adding vegetables like peas or diced bell peppers to increase nutritional value.

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty midwest casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to dinner tables with its crispy tater tots and savory ground beef layered in a creamy sauce. Families and friends will savor each cheesy, satisfying bite of this classic midwestern dinner classic.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 bag frozen tater tots (32 ounces / 907 grams)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (113 grams)

Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces / 298 grams)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (113 grams)

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the ground beef mixture by sautéing it with diced onions and minced garlic in a skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Thoroughly drain any excess grease to ensure a crisp, non-greasy base.
2. Create a creamy sauce by whisking together cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until smooth and well-combined.
3. Grease a rectangular baking dish to prevent sticking and promote easy serving.
4. Distribute the seasoned ground beef evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish, creating a uniform meat layer.
5. Gently pour the creamy soup mixture over the meat, ensuring complete coverage and even distribution.
6. Arrange frozen tater tots in a precise, overlapping pattern across the entire surface of the casserole, maximizing crispy potato coverage.
7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tot layer, allowing for complete cheese melting and golden-brown edges.
8. Transfer the assembled casserole to a preheated oven set at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a bubbling cheese top and crispy golden-brown tater tots.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, which helps set the layers and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Make ahead by preparing the casserole and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking for deeper flavor development.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for healthier protein alternatives that maintain the dish’s hearty texture.
• Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and color complexity without changing the core recipe.
• Customize cheese options by using pepper jack for heat or mixing multiple cheese types like monterey jack and sharp cheddar for a more dynamic flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg