If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing comfort dish that delivers big flavor, easy prep, and irresistible crunch, look no further than Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef. This recipe layers savory ground beef, creamy, cheesy sauce, and those iconic golden tater tots in one bubbly bake that brings weeknight magic to any table. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s endlessly adaptable and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the beauty of Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is just how approachable the ingredient list is. Every component works together—nothing fussy, just hearty elements that pack a punch of flavor, creaminess, or that addictive crunchy topping.
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a hearty base that doesn’t get greasy and absorbs seasonings beautifully.
- Chopped Onion: Fresh onion brings a gentle sweetness and depth to the beef mixture—don’t skip it!
- Garlic Powder: A sprinkle adds subtle warmth and lifts the savory notes in the filling.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors—taste as you go for perfect seasoning.
- Black Pepper: A pinch adds just enough bite and balances the richness of the dish.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: The backbone of creaminess; you can swap for cream of chicken or even a homemade sauce if you like.
- Sour Cream: Adds tang and silkiness that pairs so well with the beef and cheese.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for maximum flavor; half goes in the filling, half crisps up on top.
- Frozen Tater Tots: The star topping! They get golden and delicious, making every bite craveable.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle before serving adds a pop of color and freshness to finish.
How to Make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef and chopped onion. As the beef cooks, break it up and let the onion soften, infusing the meat with mellow sweetness. Once the beef is completely browned—about 6 to 8 minutes—drain off any excess fat to keep things from getting too heavy.
Step 2: Season and Make the Creamy Base
Sprinkle in your garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring them into the beef and onion mixture. Next, fold in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Give everything a good stir until the mixture is evenly combined and luxuriously creamy. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, which will melt into the filling and add that signature cheesy pull.
Step 3: Layer in the Baking Dish
Spread the creamy beef mixture evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This acts as your flavorful, savory foundation. Top with the frozen tater tots, arranging them in a single, even layer across the whole casserole. No need to thaw—they bake up perfectly crisp straight from the freezer.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots, then slide the dish into your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until the tater tots turn golden and crispy and the casserole is bubbling at the edges. The aroma alone will have your family hovering in the kitchen!
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once baked, let the Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef rest for about five minutes. This makes slicing easier and keeps everything together. Finish with a handful of freshly chopped parsley, if you like, for a burst of color and a touch of freshness before you serve.
How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped parsley does wonders for brightening up this cozy bake, but don’t be afraid to get creative—thinly sliced green onions, a dab of sour cream, or even a pinch of smoked paprika can all elevate your Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef. Each garnish adds its own fresh twist atop the creamy, cheesy layers.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to shine as a standalone main, but it’s equally wonderful paired with something bright or crisp. Try serving it alongside a simple green salad with a zippy vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or some roasted veggies for a complete meal that makes everyone happy.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, try baking your Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef in individual ramekins for personal servings that look as thoughtfully plated as they taste. Or serve it scooped onto a platter family-style, letting everyone dig in. You can even try topping with a fried egg in the morning for the ultimate brunch remix!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to three days, and reheats beautifully for a quick lunch or dinner round two.
Freezing
This casserole freezes remarkably well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil or portion into freezer-safe containers. When frozen, it will keep its flavor and texture for up to two months—perfect for make-ahead meal planning!
Reheating
For best results, reheat Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, which helps bring back the crispness of the tater tots. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven is your friend if you love that golden crunch.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Absolutely! While the classic flavor comes from condensed cream of mushroom soup, you can swap in cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even use a homemade white sauce for a personal touch.
How can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Simply stir in cooked or thawed veggies—like corn, peas, or green beans—with the beef and creamy mixture before baking. This is a great way to up the nutrition and add color.
Is it possible to make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole (up to the point of topping with tater tots and cheese) and store it covered in the fridge for up to one day before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the oven time if baking from cold.
What’s the best way to get extra crispy tater tots on top?
Arrange the tots in a single, even layer, and bake uncovered. For maximum crispiness, try finishing under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end—just keep a close eye so they don’t over-brown!
Can I use a different type Main Course
Definitely! Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Gouda all melt beautifully and each brings its own unique twist to the Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef.
Final Thoughts
This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is the kind of dish you’ll make once and want to return to again and again. It’s cozy, filling, wildly kid-friendly, and always a hit at the dinner table. Give it a try and enjoy watching everyone dig in—you might just find it becomes your new comfort food staple!
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Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a delicious and comforting dish that the whole family will love. Creamy and cheesy with crispy tater tots on top, it’s the perfect easy dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Others:
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Beef: Cook ground beef and onion in a skillet until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Season and Mix: Add garlic powder, salt, pepper, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Layer and Bake: Spread beef mixture in the baking dish, top with tater tots, sprinkle remaining cheese, and bake for 35–40 minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce.
- Add cooked veggies like corn or green beans for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
