Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole (Print Version)
Hearty beef and vegetable casserole topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese
# Recipe Ingredients:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb ground beef, 80/20 or lean
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
→ Dairy & Cheese
04 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
05 - 1 cup whole milk
→ Pantry
06 - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
07 - 2 tbsp ketchup
08 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
10 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
11 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
12 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ Topping
13 - 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until browned and onion is soft, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
03 - Stir in mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until well combined and heated through.
04 - Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup cheddar cheese over the top. Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
05 - Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
06 - Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the casserole. Return to oven for 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
07 - Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Its the kind of dinner that makes everyone actually want to sit at the table together
- The crispy tater tots on top somehow make everything underneath taste better
- Most of the work happens in one pan so cleanup is surprisingly manageable
02 -
- Dont skip draining the beef or youll end up with a greasy situation nobody wants
- That final 5 minute rest period is crucial for keeping servings neat on the plate
03 -
- Line your baking dish with foil for incredibly easy cleanup
- Sprinkle some smoked paprika over the tots before baking for extra depth