Homestyle Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef (Print Version)
Warm up with Homestyle Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef! A comforting, easy dinner that brings back memories and satisfies hungry crowds. So simple!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat-based
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Base
01 -
1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
02 -
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
03 -
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
→ Creamy Core
04 -
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
05 -
1/2 cup milk (whole milk for best creaminess)
06 -
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
→ Flavor Boosters & Topping
07 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
08 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
09 -
1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, let's get that beef browned. Grab a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want it nice and crumbly, no big chunks! Drain off any excess grease; honestly, I usually just tilt the pan and use a paper towel to soak it up. This is where I always forget to salt the water, but for the beef, remember your salt and pepper!
02 -
Once the beef is browned and drained, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them with the beef for about 5-7 minutes, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. The smell at this stage? Divine! It’s that warm, savory aroma that just screams comfort. Don't let the garlic burn; I've done that before, and it makes everything taste bitter. Keep stirring and chatting with your imaginary kitchen assistant!
03 -
Now for the creamy magic! Stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup, milk, and that little splash of Worcestershire sauce. Mix it all up until everything is well combined and the sauce is smooth and bubbly. This is where the sauce for your Classic Tater Tot Casserole really comes alive. Taste it! Does it need more salt? A little more pepper? Adjust it to your liking, hon. This is your kitchen, your rules!
04 -
Pour your savory beef mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite gets some of that deliciousness. I always make sure the corners are filled, because nobody wants a sad, empty corner! This step always feels like the calm before the storm—the storm of tater tots, that is!
05 -
Sprinkle about half of your shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture. I like a good layer here, because that cheese melts down and gets all gooey and wonderful, creating a perfect cheesy blanket. Don't be shy; a little extra cheese never hurt anyone, right? I sometimes sneak a pinch for myself, oops!
06 -
Finally, arrange those glorious frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. You can be neat and line them up perfectly, or just scatter them haphazardly like I often do when I’m in a rush. Pop the dish into your preheated oven (375°F or 190°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbly. That golden brown color is what you're aiming for, trust me!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcrowd the pan when browning beef; it steams instead of browns!
02 -
Leftover casserole reheats best in the oven to keep tots crispy.
03 -
I tried cream of chicken soup once, it was okay, but mushroom is definitely better for that classic flavor.
04 -
A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions just elevate it to something extra special.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
9x13 inch baking dish
03 -
mixing spoon
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 25-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 30-40g
Protein: 25-35g