Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a beloved comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. This dish features crispy tater tots on top of a savory ground beef mixture with creamy mushroom soup, cheese, and veggies. It’s the perfect all-in-one meal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, delivering warmth and satisfaction with minimal effort.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 ½ to 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, or corn)
½ cup milk
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Butter or olive oil for sautéing

For Garnish:

Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional)
Hot sauce (optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a pan, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until soft, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if desired. Drain excess grease.
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and frozen vegetables. Mix until well combined.
Transfer the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a layer on top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
About 10 minutes before the casserole is done, add the remaining shredded cheese on top. Bake until melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and drizzle with hot sauce if desired.

Nutrients

Calories: 460 kcal
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 870mg
Total Carbohydrates: 44g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 22g
Vitamin A: 4% DV
Vitamin C: 4% DV
Calcium: 10% DV
Iron: 15% DV

Why You’ll Love Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

This casserole has become a beloved meal in many homes, and it’s easy to see why:

Quick and Easy to Make – One of the best things about Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is how quickly it comes together. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and filling meal in just under an hour. The preparation time is minimal, which makes it perfect for those nights when you need a fast dinner that doesn’t sacrifice taste or satisfaction.
Comforting and Filling – Tater tots, ground beef, cheese, and vegetables create the perfect combination of textures and flavors. It’s a meal that’s warm, hearty, and satisfying—ideal for comfort food lovers. The crispy tater tots provide a contrast to the creamy beef mixture, while the melted cheese adds richness and flavor.
Family-Friendly – This dish is a great option for feeding a crowd, especially when you have picky eaters or younger kids at the table. The mild flavors of the beef and cheese combined with the familiar tater tots make it a hit with everyone. You can also easily customize the recipe by adding other vegetables or using different types of cheese.
One-Pan Meal – With everything baked in a single dish, this casserole is as convenient as it is delicious. You can serve it with a simple side salad or some bread, and you’ve got a complete meal with minimal effort. The ease of preparing this dish makes it ideal for busy families or anyone looking for a no-fuss dinner option.
Versatile and Customizable – You can easily customize this casserole to suit your preferences. Add more veggies, swap out the cream of mushroom soup for a different variety, or use different kinds of cheese. You can even top it with other crispy ingredients like fried onions for an added crunch.

The Comforting Base: Ground Beef and Vegetables

The ground beef is the heart of the casserole, providing both flavor and protein. Here’s why it works so well in this dish:

Savory and Filling – Ground beef brings a rich savory flavor to the casserole, which is balanced by the creamy soup and mild veggies. The beef is cooked with onions and garlic for added depth of flavor, and the result is a mixture that’s both satisfying and comforting.
Quick to Cook – Ground beef cooks quickly, making this casserole an excellent option for busy nights when you need a meal in a hurry. The beef is browned and combined with other ingredients in the skillet, making the casserole ready to assemble in no time.
Vegetable Add-ins – The casserole is made even more wholesome by the addition of frozen mixed vegetables such as peas, carrots, or corn. These vegetables add color, texture, and nutrients to the dish. They provide an extra dose of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making the casserole a more balanced meal.
Cheese and Creaminess – The mixture of ground beef, vegetables, and creamy mushroom soup comes together perfectly, with the addition of cheese bringing extra richness and flavor. The cheese melts beautifully on top, making every bite irresistible.

Tater Tots – The Perfect Crunch

Tater tots are the star topping in this casserole. Their crispy texture contrasts perfectly with the creamy beef mixture, creating a satisfying bite every time.

Crispy and Golden – When baked, the tater tots become golden brown and crispy, providing a delicious crunch on top of the casserole. This contrasts with the creamy beef filling beneath and adds texture to the dish.
Classic Comfort Food – Tater tots are a nostalgic and beloved food that everyone can enjoy. Their versatility allows them to work in a variety of dishes, but in this casserole, they are the perfect finishing touch.
Convenient – Frozen tater tots are incredibly convenient and easy to use. No need to prep or cook them from scratch—just layer them on top and let the oven do the work. This saves time and effort, making the casserole even easier to prepare.

The Savory Herbed Wine Sauce – A Flavor Enhancer

The wine sauce is an optional yet fantastic addition that can take your Tater Tot Casserole to the next level. It’s made from a combination of garlic, fresh herbs, and white wine, providing a rich, garlicky sauce that enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.

Garlic and Fresh Herbs – The minced garlic and fresh herbs like parsley and mint in the sauce infuse the dish with aromatic flavors that complement the richness of the beef and vegetables. This helps balance out the dish and provides an extra burst of freshness.
Wine’s Depth – The dry white wine adds an element of complexity and depth to the sauce. It enhances the savory flavors of the ground beef and the creaminess of the soup, making every bite more flavorful.
Lemon Brightness – A squeeze of lemon juice adds a refreshing, tangy note that cuts through the richness of the casserole, making it feel light and fresh despite its creamy ingredients.

How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a standalone meal, but it can be easily paired with a variety of sides for a complete dinner:

Simple Side Salad – A green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great way to balance the richness of the casserole. The crispness of the lettuce and the acidity of the dressing will provide a fresh contrast to the creamy, savory casserole.
Garlic Bread – Serve the casserole with some garlic bread for extra indulgence. The warm, buttery bread will soak up any extra sauce or juices from the casserole, adding even more flavor.
Roasted Vegetables – Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes would make a great side dish to complement the casserole. These vegetables add some extra nutrients and texture to the meal.
Coleslaw – A creamy coleslaw can also work well alongside the casserole, offering a crunchy and refreshing contrast to the warm, rich dish.

Customizations and Variations

While this recipe is already delicious, you can easily make it your own with a few modifications:

Spicy Version – Add some jalapeños, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture to give it a spicy kick. This will add a little heat to balance the creaminess of the casserole.
Vegetarian Option – For a vegetarian version, you can swap the ground beef for plant-based meat or a combination of lentils and mushrooms for a hearty filling that still delivers on texture and flavor.
Extra Cheese – For cheese lovers, you can add extra cheese to the casserole, mixing some into the ground beef mixture or sprinkling more on top of the tater tots before baking. A blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan can add even more cheesy goodness to the dish.

Conclusion

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together simple ingredients to create a meal that everyone will love. The combination of crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheese creates a balanced, flavorful meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, hosting a family gathering, or just craving some classic comfort food, this casserole has you covered.

Its versatility, ease of preparation, and comforting flavors make it a go-to recipe for busy cooks who want a hearty and satisfying meal with minimal effort. Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is sure to become a family favorite, with everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

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