Description
This hearty Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for family dinners. Combining savory ground beef cooked with onions and garlic, a creamy mushroom soup and sour cream sauce, and layers of crispy tater tots topped with melted cheddar cheese, this casserole delivers a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or green beans
Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coating of oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using frozen peas or green beans, stir them in and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the mixture.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy soup and sour cream mixture over the beef, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the soup mixture. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese melts and starts to bubble.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps the dish set and makes it easier to portion.
Notes
- You can swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of celery or cream of chicken if preferred.
- For added flavor, try mixing in some chopped mushrooms or bell peppers with the beef mixture.
- Adding frozen peas or green beans boosts the veggie content, making it more balanced.
- Using sharp cheddar cheese will provide a more pronounced cheese flavor.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; adjust baking time accordingly.
