Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

Looking for an easy and crowd-pleasing meal that combines the best of flavors and textures? Look no further than the Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef. This classic comfort dish is a family favorite for good reason—it’s simple to make, budget-friendly, and packed with savory goodness. The casserole combines seasoned ground beef, a creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots, all topped with melty cheese for a perfect bite every time. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this dish will hit the spot. Read on for the full recipe, ingredient list, and helpful tips to perfect this dish every time.

What is Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef?

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a layered casserole dish consisting of browned ground beef, a creamy sauce (often made with condensed soup), and tater tots that are baked until golden and crispy. It’s a simple, satisfying, and family-friendly dish that combines textures and flavors in every bite. You get the savory beef mixture at the base, the creamy sauce holding everything together, and the crispy tater tots on top—plus melty cheese to tie it all together. The dish is incredibly versatile, allowing you to add vegetables or spices to suit your preferences.

Ingredients List for Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious casserole. These ingredients are common pantry staples, making this a quick and easy dish to put together.

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef – Lean ground beef is preferred, but regular ground beef works as well.
• 1 medium onion – Chopped finely for extra flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic – Minced for a boost of flavor.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup – Adds creaminess to the dish.
• 1 cup sour cream – Adds a tangy richness to the casserole.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Divided for mixing and topping.
• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots – The star of the casserole, crispy and golden when baked.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – For extra depth of flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning the beef mixture.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter – For sautéing the onions and garlic.

Optional Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen peas, green beans, or corn – Add vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
• 1 teaspoon paprika or garlic powder – For added flavor.
• ½ cup cream cheese – For a richer, creamier base.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley – To add a hint of herbal flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

The Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some great substitutions and variations to try:

1. Ground Meat Alternatives: Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter version. For a more flavorful twist, you can also use ground sausage or a mix of beef and pork.
2. Tater Tot Variations: While traditional tater tots are used, you can switch things up by using sweet potato tots, or for a lower-carb version, cauliflower tots.
3. Cream of Soup Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup. You can also make a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, and milk.
4. Cheese Options: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to mix it up with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a little kick. For an extra creamy option, add some shredded Velveeta.
5. Add Vegetables: To make this dish more nutritious, add in some vegetables like green beans, peas, corn, or even sautéed mushrooms. You can either mix them into the beef layer or spread them on top before adding the tater tots.
6. Spice It Up: For those who like a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce into the beef mixture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make the perfect Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Season the Beef: Season the cooked ground beef with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. If you’re using additional seasonings like paprika or thyme, stir them in at this point. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Prepare the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir the beef mixture into the creamy sauce until well combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the beef and sauce mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. If you're adding vegetables, spread them in an even layer on top of the beef mixture. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top of the casserole, covering the beef and vegetable mixture completely.
6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. This will create a golden, cheesy topping as the casserole bakes.
7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
8. Let It Rest: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes it easier to serve neat portions.

How to Cook Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
2. Step 2: Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic. Drain excess fat.
3. Step 3: Stir in salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and any other seasonings.
4. Step 4: Combine the beef mixture with cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheese.
5. Step 5: Spread the beef mixture into the casserole dish, layer frozen tater tots on top, and sprinkle with cheese.
6. Step 6: Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden, then let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Draining the Ground Beef: Be sure to drain any excess fat after cooking the ground beef. Leaving too much grease can make the casserole overly oily and heavy.
2. Overcrowding the Tater Tots: Make sure to arrange the tater tots in a single, even layer. Overlapping them too much can prevent them from crisping up properly.
3. Undercooking the Tater Tots: It’s important to bake the casserole until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. If the tots aren’t fully cooked, the texture won’t be as satisfying.
4. Not Letting the Casserole Rest: Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking allows it to set, making it easier to cut and serve.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

This casserole is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of garlic bread. If you want to add a little extra crunch, serve with pickles or coleslaw on the side.

Presentation Ideas for Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

To give your casserole an extra pop of color, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top just before serving. You can also serve it in individual ramekins or cast-iron skillets for a more personalized presentation.

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply cover it with plastic wrap and bake when ready. Add an extra 10 minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
• Crispy Topping: For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers, cornflakes, or breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready.

2. Can I freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, freeze it before baking, and thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to cook it.

3. Can I use other vegetables?
Definitely. Feel free to add veggies like green beans, corn, peas, or bell peppers to make the dish more nutritious.

4. Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes, you can use any type of cheese you like. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack will work well.

Conclusion

The Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory beef, a creamy base, crispy tater tots, and melted cheese into one irresistible dish. Whether you're making it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it for a family gathering, this casserole is sure to be a hit. With its versatility and simple preparation, it's no wonder this dish has become a household favorite. Try this recipe tonight and enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal that everyone will love!

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