Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef
Okay, friend, if you’ve been looking for an easy dinner that’ll please just about everyone (even the picky eaters), you just found it.
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is warm, cheesy, and loaded with flavor.
You and I both know there’s something so satisfying about a meal that’s simple and filling. Right?
And if you’re anything like me, once you make this once, it’ll be on repeat. So grab your baking dish, and let’s do this together.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS TATER TOT CASSEROLE
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It’s so easy, everything goes in one dish.
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Budget-friendly but still feels hearty.
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Kid-approved (and adult-approved too).
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Comes together fast with ingredients you probably already have at home.
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Freezer-friendly, so make-ahead is a total yes.
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Feels like a warm hug in casserole form.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or any frozen veggie mix)
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1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
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1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Olive oil or butter, for sautéing
HOW TO MAKE THIS TATER TOT CASSEROLE
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, warm a bit of oil or butter. Add ground beef and onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain the grease.
Step 3: Add in the garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and frozen veggies. Mix everything well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Add 1 cup of shredded cheese to the beef mixture and stir to melt and combine.
Step 6: Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 7: Top the beef layer with frozen tater tots, arranging them in a single layer across the top.
Step 8: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the tater tots.
Step 9: Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 10: Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Then dig in!
STORAGE OPTIONS
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer (Before Baking): Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
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Freezer (After Baking): Cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Bake at 350°F until warm, or microwave individual servings.
VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
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Swap the soup: Use cream of chicken or cream of celery instead of mushroom.
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Add more veggies: Corn, green beans, or spinach work great.
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Make it spicy: Add taco seasoning to the beef or stir in a bit of hot sauce.
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Use turkey: Ground turkey or chicken makes a leaner version.
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Try a cheese blend: Monterey Jack or pepper Jack for a little kick.
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Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free cream soup and tater tots.
MISTAKES TO AVOID & HOW TO PERFECT THE RECIPE
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Don’t skip draining the beef: Too much grease = soggy casserole.
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Even tater tot layer: Lay them out evenly so they all crisp up.
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Don’t overbake: You want crispy, not dried out.
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Season as you go: Taste the beef mixture before baking.
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Add cheese toward the end if needed: If you like super melty cheese, reserve it for the last 10 minutes.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble everything and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh the next day.
Q: Can I freeze it after baking?
A: Absolutely. Let it cool, portion it out, and freeze. Perfect for meal prep.
Q: What veggies work best?
A: Peas and carrots are classic, but green beans, corn, or chopped broccoli are great too.
Q: Can I use fresh veggies?
A: You sure can—just sauté them a bit first so they soften up in the oven.
Q: What if I don’t like mushroom soup?
A: Cream of chicken or cream of celery is are great swap. Even a homemade white sauce works.
Q: How do I get the tater tots extra crispy?
A: Make sure they’re not overlapping, and bake uncovered. You can broil for the last few minutes too.
Q: What can I serve with this?
A: A crisp side salad, green beans, or even fruit on the side all work well.
CONCLUSION
There you go, friend—Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef made super easy. This is one of those dishes that just works.
It’s cozy, it feeds a crowd, and it feels like something grandma would approve of.
If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you.
Share your version in the comments—I’m always up for seeing how others make it their own.
You Might Also Want To Try
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Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef
creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that layers seasoned beef, veggies, and a rich sauce, all topped with crispy golden tater tots. It’s quick to prep, budget-friendly, and perfect for family dinners or make-ahead freezer meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or other frozen veggie mix)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or butter, for sautéing
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, warm a bit of oil or butter. Add ground beef and onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain the grease.
Step 3: Add in the garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and frozen veggies. Mix everything well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Add 1 cup of shredded cheese to the beef mixture and stir to melt and combine.
Step 6: Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 7: Top the beef layer with frozen tater tots, arranging them in a single layer across the top.
Step 8: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the tater tots.
Step 9: Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 10: Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Then dig in!
Notes
Nutrition Information
Yield 6-8Amount Per Serving Calories Approx. 420–480
