Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
It’s easy to see why Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef has gained popularity in households across the country. This comforting dish combines savory ground beef, creamy sauces, and crispy tater tots into a delicious centerpiece that’s perfect for family dinners and gatherings. Moreover, it is a dish that brings nostalgia, evoking memories of cozy meals at home.
Gathering the right ingredients and following simple steps will allow you to whip up this delightful casserole in no time. The combination of textures and flavors makes it satisfying, while the ease of preparation appeals to busy cooks. With minimal fuss and maximum flavor, this recipe promises an enjoyable cooking experience that ends in a delightful feast.
Why make this recipe
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef stands out for its heartiness and comfort level. The dish is a complete meal in itself, layering different components that balance each other perfectly. The savory ground beef provides protein, while the creamy mushroom soup and sour cream offer a rich texture that contrasts beautifully with the crispy tater tots on top. Each bite delivers a delightful crunch followed by a melty, savory filling, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Not only is it delicious, but it also offers fantastic versatility. This casserole can be customized by adjusting seasonings or adding favorite vegetables. Considering its ease of preparation, many people find that Tater Tot Casserole becomes a regular weeknight meal. Whether you’re cooking for a small family or a crowd, this dish is ideal for feeding everyone with minimal hassle.
How to make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Making Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is straightforward and requires only a few steps. Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, which allows you to brown the meat to perfection. Adding diced onions during this process softens them, enhancing the flavor profile of the dish as it comes together. Once the beef is browned, season it with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you enjoy. This is also the moment to drain off any excess fat, ensuring a lighter dish that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Next, incorporate the creamy elements by mixing in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream into the skillet with the beef. Let these components mingle for a couple of minutes over the heat until they’re warmed through, generating a luscious mixture that will serve as the base layer of your casserole. Transferring this beef mixture into a greased casserole dish provides the foundation for all the delicious toppings that will follow.
The next layers involve spreading shredded cheddar cheese over the beef, followed by arranging the frozen tater tots on top. Covering the casserole with tater tots creates that signature crunch that everyone loves. Bake this culinary creation until those tots are just right—golden and crispy—usually taking about 25 to 30 minutes. After removing the casserole from the oven, the final touch involves adding a layer of cheddar cheese that gets melted to bubbly perfection, completing your masterpiece before it cools just enough to serve.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite spices
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add diced onions and cook until they soften. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices like garlic powder or paprika. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, mixing well with the beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Time Breakdown
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6
How to serve Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Serving Tater Tot Casserole is as incredibly simple as its preparation. Since it’s a one-dish meal, you can serve it directly from the casserole dish, allowing everyone to help themselves. A simple salad on the side can brighten the meal and provide a contrast to the rich flavors of the casserole. The dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or crusty bread for those who enjoy dipping.
For garnishing, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives to give a splash of color and an additional layer of flavor. This light touch can make the dish look vibrant and appetizing. If you want to enhance the meal further, consider serving it with your favorite hot sauce or a side of pickles, which can help to cut through the richness.
How to store Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Storing the leftovers from Tater Tot Casserole is easy and ensures you can enjoy the dish for days to come. Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. If you wish to save the entire casserole, you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help retain moisture and flavor while refraining from any freezer burn if you decide to freeze portions.
When stored in the refrigerator, Tater Tot Casserole can last for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you may freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at a low temperature. Just make sure to check the internal temperature reaches a safe level before enjoying.
Tips to make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Enhancing your Tater Tot Casserole can be fun with various tips and techniques. One essential tip is to properly season the ground beef during cooking; this elevates the overall taste of the dish significantly. Using a mix of spices that appeals to your palate can add a personal twist that sets your casserole apart. Consider experimenting with spices such as cayenne for heat, or Italian seasoning for a herbaceous note.
Another idea is to incorporate extra ingredients into the casserole, such as frozen vegetables like peas, corn, or broccoli. They not only add flavor and nutrition but will also give a delightful texture to your dish. You can also swap the ground beef for other proteins like ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian blend for a meatless option.
Lastly, remember to keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking. Ovens can vary, and you want to ensure the tater tots reach that ideal crispy state without burning the cheese layer. Adjusting baking time slightly may be necessary based on your oven’s performance.
Variation
No major variations, but you can adjust seasonings to taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fat: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 860 mg
FAQs
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just increase the baking time if it’s starting from a cold state.
Q: What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
A: You can use cream of chicken, cream of celery, or homemade creamy sauces if you prefer.
Q: Is it possible to make Tater Tot Casserole vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a meat alternative like lentils or mushrooms, and ensure the soups and cheese are vegetarian-friendly.
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef for a lighter option.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup Can be substituted with cream of chicken or celery.
- ½ cup sour cream For added creaminess.
- 1 small onion, diced Adds flavor and sweetness.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided One cup for layering, one cup for topping.
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots For the crispy topping.
- to taste salt and pepper Adjust seasoning according to preference.
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite spices Customize with preferred seasonings.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add diced onions and cook until they soften. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices like garlic powder or paprika. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, mixing well with the beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
