Description
This Cheesy Beef and Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring a savory mixture of ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, sour cream, and melted cheddar cheese, all topped with crispy golden tater tots. Perfect for family dinners, this casserole combines simple ingredients with easy preparation and baking to create a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
Optional Garnish
- ½ cup green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is at the right temperature when the casserole is ready to bake.
- Cook Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 7 minutes until the beef is browned and onions become translucent. Drain excess grease to keep the casserole from getting too oily.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant, enhancing the flavor of the beef mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: To the skillet, add the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the cheese melts into a creamy, well combined mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the beef and cheese mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Add Tater Tots: Place an even layer of frozen tater tots on top of the beef mixture, covering it entirely for a crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Bake until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and, if using, sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for a fresh, mild onion flavor. Serve warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Drain excess grease from cooked beef to prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy.
- Frozen tater tots do not need to be thawed before baking; they will cook through in the oven.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a handful of diced bell peppers or mushrooms when cooking the ground beef and onions.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; simply add 10 extra minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.