Description
This irresistible Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring a savory blend of browned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, sour cream, and a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese atop crispy golden tater tots, this casserole combines ease and flavor in one delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup sour cream
Pantry
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite spices
Produce
- 1 small onion, diced
Frozen
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Brown the ground beef: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Cook the onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, enhancing the flavor of the beef mixture.
- Mix in creamy ingredients: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the beef and onion mixture. This creates a rich, creamy base for the casserole.
- Season the mixture: Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, and any optional spices like garlic powder or paprika to suit your taste preferences.
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking, then transfer the meat mixture evenly into the dish.
- Add tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly over the beef mixture, forming a crunchy topping layer.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots for a golden, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow it to set for easier slicing and to prevent burns.
Notes
- You can customize the seasoning by adding your favorite spices such as smoked paprika or chili powder for extra flavor.
- For a lighter version, consider using low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
- Make sure to drain the beef thoroughly to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
- If you prefer, add vegetables like frozen peas or green beans to the beef mixture for added nutrition and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
