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Best Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 188 reviews

This Best Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring lean ground beef, savory cream of mushroom soup, mixed vegetables, and a crispy layer of golden tater tots, all topped with melty cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family-friendly weeknight dinner that combines ease and classic flavors in one delicious casserole.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (green beans, carrots, peas, and corn)

For the Sauce

  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Toppings

  • 8 ounces cheddar cheese, freshly shredded, divided
  • 32-ounce bag frozen tater tots

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot enough to cook the casserole evenly while crisping the tater tots on top.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary. Then add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Mix the Sauce and Vegetables: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and the frozen mixed vegetables into the beef mixture. Cook together for 2-3 minutes until heated through and well combined.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture. Then, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
  5. Add Final Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots for a cheesy golden crust once baked.
  6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy, golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
  7. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to portion.

Notes

  • You can substitute cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor.
  • Using freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese due to anti-caking agents.
  • Feel free to add spices like paprika or black pepper to enhance the flavor.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.

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

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/best-tater-tot-casserole-recipe/