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Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom Recipe

Classic Tater Tot Casserole with Cheesy Ground Beef

★★★★★

5 from 12 reviews
  • Author: Matteo
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Halal

Description

A hearty and comforting Tater Tot Casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, layers of cheddar cheese, and crispy golden tater tots baked to perfection. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for family dinners and offers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite spices

Sauce

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup sour cream

Cheese & Tater Tots

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole evenly.
  2. Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly. Add diced onions and cook until they soften, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices such as garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Combine with cream sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream to the cooked beef mixture. Mix well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mixture is heated through and creamy.
  4. Layer in the casserole dish: Grease a casserole dish lightly to prevent sticking. Spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish to create the first layer.
  5. Add cheese layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture to add a rich, cheesy layer.
  6. Add tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the cheese. This will bake into a crispy, golden crust.
  7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
  8. Add final cheese layer: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  9. Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier portioning and to avoid burns.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, try adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions during cooking.
  • You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup if preferred.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste; adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a slight kick.
  • Let the casserole rest before serving to help it set and make slicing easier.
  • If you prefer a crispier topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after adding the final cheese layer but watch closely to prevent burning.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6th of casserole)
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

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

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Find it online: https://todayplates.com/grease-a-casserole-dish-and-spread-the-beef-mixture-evenly-across-the-bottom-recipe/