Crispy Tater Tot Casserole with Cheesy Beef Filling Recipe
This hearty Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners. It combines seasoned ground beef with a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese, creating layers of delicious flavors and textures. Easy to prepare and bake, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste.
- Author: lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon paprika
Cheese and Topping
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder and paprika if desired. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Combine with Cream Sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream into the beef mixture. Mix well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mixture is heated through and well combined.
- Layer in the Casserole Dish: Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
- Add Tater Tots: Place the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add Final Cheese Layer: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and make serving easier.
Notes
- Optional garnishes: Add chopped parsley or green onions on top for a fresh touch.
- For extra flavor: Consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture or sprinkling bacon bits after baking.
- Make it a full meal: Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Tater Tot Casserole, Ground Beef Casserole, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, Cheesy Casserole, Family Meal, Baked Tater Tots