Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to throw together, look no further than this Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef. This recipe is all about warmth, flavor, and nostalgia, with crispy tater tots on top, gooey melted cheese, and a creamy, savory base that’s hard to resist. There’s just something about the combination of tender ground beef, tangy sour cream, and golden tater tots that turns this dish into a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend lunch, it’s bound to disappear fast.

this RECIPE

Memories of casserole night 🥔

Growing up, casserole nights were a big deal in my house. I remember the smell of something bubbling away in the oven, the clinking of plates as everyone gathered around the table, and the sense of pure contentment that comes with a hearty meal. My mom’s tater tot casserole was legendary, packed with flavors that felt like a big hug in every bite. When I make this for my own family now, it brings back all those memories, especially when I see my kids lining up for seconds just like I used to. There’s a joy in sharing this simple yet indulgent dish, knowing it’s creating the same warm memories for them.

A little history behind the tater tot casserole

Tater tot casseroles are a Midwest classic, particularly popular in states like Minnesota, where they even call it “hotdish.” This dish likely came about as an easy, budget-friendly way to feed a crowd, combining pantry staples like ground beef, canned soup, and frozen tater tots. Over the years, people have added their own twists, from adding veggies to layering in extra cheese. But the essence remains the same: it’s a quick, satisfying, one-pan meal that’s incredibly easy to customize. No matter how you make it, the result is a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Let’s talk ingredients: what makes this casserole irresistible

This recipe keeps it simple but satisfying, with ingredients you might already have on hand.

• Ground beef: The heart of the dish, adding a savory, meaty base. I like to use 80% lean ground beef for a good balance of flavor and less grease, but you can swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Onion and garlic: These add depth to the flavor of the beef, giving the casserole a tasty foundation. Yellow or white onions work best, but red onion can add a slightly sweeter touch.
• Cream of mushroom soup: This is the classic choice for adding creaminess. If you’re not a mushroom fan, cream of chicken soup works just as well, and it’ll still give you that rich, creamy texture.
• Sour cream: Sour cream adds a tangy richness that balances the savory flavors of the beef and soup. If you’re out, Greek yogurt is a good substitute and adds a bit of extra protein.
• Cheddar cheese: The cheese melts into the casserole, adding gooey texture and sharp flavor. You could also try Colby or Monterey Jack if you want something milder.
• Tater tots: The star of the show! These get crispy on top, adding that crave-worthy crunch to each bite. Sweet potato tots could add a fun twist, too.
• Frozen peas or green beans (optional): Adding veggies is a nice way to sneak in some greens. Peas bring a bit of sweetness, while green beans add a classic touch.

Kitchen gear: what you need to make it easy

For this casserole, you won’t need any fancy equipment. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s essential:

• Large skillet: You’ll need a big skillet to brown the ground beef and cook down the onions and garlic. A non-stick pan helps to avoid too much sticking or burning, but any large skillet will do.
• Mixing bowl: A medium or large bowl is perfect for mixing the sour cream and soup. This makes it easier to spread everything evenly over the beef.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: This is the ideal size to fit the whole casserole in a single layer, giving you that perfect ratio of filling to crispy topping.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Handy for breaking up the ground beef as it cooks and for mixing everything together.

If you’re in a pinch and don’t have a baking dish this size, two smaller dishes will work, too—just divide everything equally.

Step-by-step: how to make this tater tot casserole (mistakes and all!)

1. Preheat the oven and prep the dish

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coating of oil. This step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

2. Cook the ground beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm up your olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes. The aroma of onions and garlic at this stage is heavenly—it’s the base of so many great dishes. Add in the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, seasoning with salt and pepper along the way. If you’re adding frozen peas or green beans, toss them in now and let them cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Tip: Don’t rush the browning process! Letting the beef caramelize a little adds extra flavor to the casserole.

3. Mix the sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until smooth. This mixture creates that signature creamy layer. It might look like there’s a lot, but trust me, it’ll soak into the beef and make everything deliciously moist.

4. Assemble the casserole

Spread your cooked ground beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the sour cream and soup mixture over the beef, using a spoon or spatula to smooth it out. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, adding an extra layer of flavor. Finally, arrange your frozen tater tots in a single layer on top. They should cover the whole dish—this is what gives you that crispy topping.

5. Bake it to golden perfection

Pop the casserole in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy. Once done, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return it to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes to set before serving.

Variations and adaptations to make it your own

This tater tot casserole is super adaptable. Here are some ways to change it up:

• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with crumbled tempeh, cooked lentils, or a plant-based ground “meat.” Use cream of celery soup for a flavor boost without meat.
• Go gluten-free: Many cream of mushroom soups contain gluten, so look for a certified gluten-free brand, or make your own from scratch.
• Add some heat: Mix in a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. A few slices of jalapeño on top can bring some extra zing!
• Switch up the cheese: Try a blend of cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for a twist. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor to the dish.
• Seasonal veggies: In the summer, add diced bell peppers or zucchini. In the winter, go for corn or even leftover roasted vegetables.

Each variation brings something new to the table, and experimenting can lead to some delicious surprises.

Serving suggestions for a perfect presentation

To serve, let the casserole cool for a few minutes so it holds its shape when sliced. For a pop of color, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top. This dish is filling on its own, but you could pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

If you’re serving guests, scoop the casserole onto plates and place a few tater tots on top of each serving for extra crunch. It’s a small touch, but it makes the dish look even more inviting.

Drink pairings

This rich and comforting dish pairs well with refreshing drinks that cleanse the palate:

• Iced tea: A classic pairing, especially with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
• Lemonade: The tartness of lemonade cuts through the creamy layers of the casserole beautifully.
• Sparkling water with lime: If you want something light and fizzy, sparkling water with a hint of citrus is perfect.
• Apple cider: Warm or cold, apple cider’s sweetness contrasts nicely with the savory flavors of the casserole.

Storing and reheating leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop a portion in the microwave or heat the entire dish in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. The tater tots may not be quite as crispy, but it’ll still taste delicious.

Freezer-friendly tip: This casserole freezes well! Assemble it up to the baking step, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from the freezer at 375°F, adding about 15 minutes to the cooking time.

Scaling the recipe for any crowd

For a smaller crowd, simply halve the ingredients and bake in an 8×8-inch dish. For a larger group, double the recipe and use two baking dishes. Just be sure the tater tots are in a single layer for maximum crispiness.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready.

2. Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Absolutely. Cream of chicken or cream of celery works great. For a homemade option, make a quick white sauce.

3. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, just sauté them until slightly tender before adding them to the casserole.

4. Will this work with sweet potato tots?
Yes! Sweet potato tots add a slightly sweeter flavor, which pairs nicely with the savory beef.

5. How can I make it spicier?
Try adding diced green chilies or a few shakes of hot sauce to the beef mixture.

Enjoy trying out this deliciously easy tater tot casserole! It’s sure to be a hit at your next family dinner.

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