Description
This Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners. It combines savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy golden tater tots for a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
Vegetables and Others
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 bag frozen tater tots (32 oz)
Condiments and Seasonings
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly and thoroughly.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion until the beef is fully cooked and the onions become translucent. Drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef and onions with the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble Base Layer: Pour the beef mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly to form a consistent base layer for the casserole.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture layer, adding rich flavor and a cheesy texture.
- Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the cheese, ensuring they cover the surface uniformly for even baking.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top and the casserole is heated through.
- Cool and Serve: After baking, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set and prevent burns.
Notes
- Drain excess fat after cooking the ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.
- For extra crunch, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner recipes, comfort food, cheesy casserole, weeknight meal
