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Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

  • Author: Lina
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a warm, comforting, and simple dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring juicy lean ground beef, savory vegetables, creamy cheese, and topped with crispy golden tater tots, it combines easy-to-find pantry staples for a hearty, satisfying meal ready in under an hour. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, it offers nostalgic comfort with a flavorful modern twist and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 lb lean ground beef

Vegetables

  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)

Canned and Packaged Goods

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream soup (cream of mushroom or cream of chicken)
  • 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen tater tots

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
  2. Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables along with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender and flavors meld.
  3. Mix in the Cream Soup: Pour the cream soup into the skillet and stir well, coating all ingredients in a creamy sauce. This acts as a binder and adds richness to the casserole.
  4. Assemble in the Baking Dish: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture, then layer a single even layer of tater tots to cover the cheese completely.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 30 to 35 minutes until the tater tots are crispy and golden, and the cheese beneath is melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to prevent excessive grease and sogginess.
  • Brown the beef in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
  • Drain fat thoroughly after browning to keep casserole light.
  • Layer cheese between beef mixture and tater tots for better melting and flavor.
  • Let the casserole rest about 5 minutes after baking to set properly before serving.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes to maintain crispiness and warmth.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, cheesy casserole

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Find it online: https://dishesbylina.com/tater-tot-casserole-with-ground-beef/