Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Introduction
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef delivers pure comfort in every bite—crispy golden tots, savory seasoned beef, and gooey melted cheese all in one irresistible dish. Its simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a staple for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, and potluck dinners alike. This recipe comes together quickly, yet packs the heartiness and nostalgia of a home-cooked meal that everyone will love.
Why Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Is an All-Time Favorite
What sets this casserole apart is the way familiar flavors and textures harmonize: juicy, well-seasoned beef forms the hearty base, while a rich, creamy sauce ties everything together and the signature tater tots bake up irresistibly crisp on top. Every scoop is as satisfying as the last, making it a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults.
How to Prep Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
Start by dicing onions and mincing garlic—they’ll add a boost of flavor to your beef layer. For consistent, speedy prep, consider using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. This tool ensures uniform pieces, helping everything cook evenly and quickly.
Next, shred some sharp cheddar cheese to sprinkle over the top. Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a nice stretchy texture.
Cooking and Assembling the Casserole
Brown the ground beef in a sturdy nonstick pan like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch. This makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking. A tool such as the Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher helps break up the meat evenly for perfect texture.
After cooking and draining the beef, mix in the veggies, condensed soup, seasonings, and part of the cheese. Spread this delectable mixture evenly in your baking dish, then layer the crispy tater tots across the top for that classic finish.
Baking Tips and Serving Suggestions
Bake until the tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbling. For extra crispy tots, use a layer of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll underneath to promote even browning and prevent sticking.
Serve straight from the oven, or pack leftovers in an airtight container like the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for easy reheating. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a burst of freshness.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings. Loaded with protein and fulfilling carbs, each serving offers approximately 400–500 calories depending on the type and amount of cheese used. For a balanced meal, pair with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef (Recap)
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef stands out for its creamy, cheesy, and crispy layers—a fuss-free comfort classic that brings people together. Whether you’re feeding a family or delighting a crowd, its wholesome, familiar flavors never fail to satisfy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup.
- Heat the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, condensed soup, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined and heated through. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tots, and bake for another 5 minutes until melted. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Enjoy warm, gooey, and crispy comfort food—perfect for any occasion and sure to become a family favorite!
