Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef

1 small yellow onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)

2 teaspoons ketchup

3 teaspoons yellow mustard

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 tablespoons flour

1 cup frozen corn

2 ½ cups cheddar cheese, separated

32 oz. frozen tater tots

2 cups beef broth

1 chicken bouillon cube

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon garlic powder

10.5 oz. low sodium cream of mushroom soup (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: In a bowl, combine the beef broth, chicken bouillon cube, soy sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder. Set this sauce mixture aside.

Step 3: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef along with the diced onion until browned and cooked through.

Step 4: Add the minced garlic and diced bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then drain any excess grease.

Step 5: Season the beef mixture lightly with salt, pepper, ketchup, yellow mustard, and tomato paste. Stir everything to combine evenly.

Step 6: Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture and stir well to coat. Cook for 2 minutes until the raw flour smell disappears.

Step 7: Slowly add the beef broth mixture in small splashes, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a spatula to incorporate flavorful browned bits. Continue until all the liquid is added and the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 8: Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat.

Step 9: If desired, spread the cream of mushroom soup evenly over the beef mixture for extra creaminess.

Step 10: Transfer the beef mixture to a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish if your skillet is not oven-safe.

Step 11: Spread the frozen corn evenly over the beef, then sprinkle 2 cups of cheddar cheese on top.

Step 12: Arrange a single layer of frozen tater tots evenly across the cheese layer.

Step 13: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes until the tater tots are crispy and golden.

Step 14: Remove casserole from oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese on top. Return to oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts.

Step 15: Optionally, garnish with chopped chives and crispy bacon or bacon bits before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use a variety of bell pepper colors for a more vibrant dish and extra flavor.

For added richness, mix in a cup of sour cream or cream cheese with the beef mixture.

Try swapping cheddar with pepper jack or a smoked cheese for a twist.

To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

Make it vegetarian by replacing ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the casserole without the tater tots on top and add fresh tots before baking when ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving to ensure crispy tater tots.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute with cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or make a simple homemade white sauce to layer over the beef mixture for a different flavor.