Easy Tater Tot & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe for Busy Nights

Comfort food reaches new heights with this hearty tater tot casserole with ground beef that promises to satisfy even the most demanding appetites.

Layers of crispy potato tots blanket a savory foundation of seasoned ground beef and melted cheese.

Creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, this dish brings warmth to any dinner table.

The classic recipe combines simple ingredients that blend seamlessly into a mouthwatering meal everyone will adore.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this crowd-pleasing casserole that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Families will gather around, eagerly anticipating each delicious, golden-brown bite of this irresistible comfort classic.

Why Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef Hits the Spot

• Comfort Food Champion: Dive into a hearty, soul-warming dish that brings pure joy with its rich, creamy ground beef base and crispy golden tater tots.
• Kid-Approved Crowd-Pleaser: Watch faces light up as the cheesy, crunchy layers of this casserole become an instant favorite for both children and adults, guaranteeing clean plates and happy smiles.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily customize with additional vegetables or swap seasonings to match your family's taste preferences, making it a flexible recipe for any mood or occasion.

Key Ingredients for a Meaty Tater Tot Casserole

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that brings hearty flavor to the casserole.

• Frozen Tater Tots: Crispy golden potato bites perfect for topping.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds creamy richness.
• Sour Cream: Smooth ingredient that helps bind the casserole together.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy base that adds depth and moisture.

• Onions, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Flavor boosters that enhance the overall taste.

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) to create the perfect cooking environment.

Step 2: Brown The Meaty Base

In a large skillet, transform ground beef into a delicious golden-brown masterpiece.

• Diced onions
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Optional spices like garlic powder

Cook until onions become translucent and tender.

Drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light.

Step 3: Create A Creamy Mixture

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream

Stir thoroughly until the ingredients dance together harmoniously, creating a rich and velvety texture.

Step 4: Prepare The Baking Vessel

Generously grease a casserole dish, then spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom, creating a delectable foundation.

Step 5: Sprinkle Cheesy Goodness

Shower the beef layer with a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese, promising a gooey and irresistible experience.

Step 6: Arrange Crispy Potato Gems

Carefully place frozen tater tots in a single, beautiful layer atop the cheese, ensuring maximum crunchiness.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and let it transform for 25-30 minutes until tater tots turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 8: Add Final Cheese Flourish

Pull out the casserole and crown it with another handful of cheddar cheese.

Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts into bubbly magnificence.

Step 9: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to settle for 5 minutes, then slice and serve this comforting masterpiece to eager diners.

Tips for Crispy Tater Tot Casserole Perfection

• Add minced garlic or dried herbs like thyme to the ground beef for an extra layer of depth and aroma.
• Use a colander or paper towels to remove as much grease as possible from the beef, ensuring a cleaner, less oily casserole.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like monterey jack, pepper jack, or a sharp cheddar to personalize the dish's taste profile.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup for a gluten-free version and use gluten-free tater tots to adapt for dietary restrictions.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient make-ahead meal option.

Reheating and Storing Tater Tot Casserole Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up tater tots.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness if needed.

What to Serve With Tater Tot Casserole

• Pair with Refreshing Beverages: Cold beer or crisp white wine cuts through the richness of the cheesy, meaty casserole, providing a perfect flavor balance.
• Create Veggie Side Harmony: Roasted green beans or a light mixed salad add freshness and nutritional balance to the hearty main dish.
• Complement with Tangy Condiments: Serve with zesty ranch dressing or spicy sriracha mayo to enhance the tater tot casserole's savory profile.
• Match with Comfort Sides: Creamy coleslaw or quick pickles offer a crunchy, acidic contrast that brightens the entire meal experience.

Ways to Switch Up This Tater Tot Casserole

• Vegetarian Veggie Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives like crumbled tofu, lentils, or a commercial meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of beef fat for enhanced flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free version. Ensure all ingredients like spices and cheese are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Modification: Swap tater tots with roasted cauliflower florets. Use cauliflower rice as a base layer to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a similar texture and comfort food feel.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cheese substitutes made from nuts or soy. Replace sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream to maintain the rich, creamy consistency without dairy products.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative. Cook it thoroughly and season it similarly to ground beef for best results.

• Is it possible to prepare the casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.

• What cheese is best to use in this casserole?

Cheddar cheese melts nicely and adds great flavor. You can also use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a creamier texture.

• How do I keep the tater tots crispy on top?

Bake uncovered during the last 10-15 minutes to allow the tater tots to crisp up. Avoid covering the casserole while baking.

Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Tater Tot Casserole brings comfort food magic to dinner tables with layers of seasoned ground beef, crispy potato crowns, and melted cheese. Midwestern families cherish this simple, satisfying dish that you’ll want to savor with friends and loved ones.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 ounces or 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup

Vegetables and Tater Tots:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bag (32 ounces or 907 grams) frozen tater tots
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite spices

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
2. In a large skillet, thoroughly brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles for even texture.
3. Incorporate diced onions into the beef, sautéing until they become translucent and release their aromatic flavors.
4. Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, and optional spices like garlic powder, creating a robust foundation of flavor.
5. Drain excess fat from the skillet to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
6. Gently fold cream of mushroom soup and sour cream into the beef, creating a rich and creamy base that binds the ingredients.
7. Prepare a casserole dish by lightly greasing the surface to prevent sticking.
8. Spread the beef and cream mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish, creating a uniform layer.
9. Generously sprinkle the first portion of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Carefully arrange frozen tater tots in a single, overlapping layer on top of the cheese, creating a crispy potato topping.
11. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots turn golden brown and crisp.
12. Remove the casserole and immediately top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
13. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become wonderfully bubbly.
14. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by using high-quality ground beef with a higher fat content for more richness and juiciness.
• Customize seasoning by experimenting with spice blends like taco seasoning or Italian herbs to create unique taste profiles.
• Swap tater tots with hash browns or cauliflower tots for lower-carb or gluten-free alternatives that maintain the casserole’s comforting texture.
• Prep ahead by assembling the casserole in advance and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 445
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg