Tatertot Casserole with Beef and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Tatertot Casserole with Beef is a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. It combines savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until fully cooked. Drain excess grease and stir in garlic powder.
3. Step 3: Mix in the cream of mushroom soup until well combined.
4. Step 4: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the baking dish. Top with tater tots arranged as desired.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
6. Step 6: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until tater tots are golden brown and cheese is bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture while cooking.
• Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different taste.
• Mix in some frozen peas or corn into the beef mixture for added vegetables.
• Use pepper jack or mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar for a twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the tater tots crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake it fresh when ready. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Can I freeze the leftover casserole?

While it is possible to freeze this casserole, the tater tots may lose their crispness upon thawing. For best texture, freeze only the beef mixture separately and bake fresh with tater tots when ready to serve.

Tatertot Casserole with Beef and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.6 from 139 reviews

This hearty Tatertot Casserole combines savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, crispy tater tots, and melted sharp cheddar cheese for a comforting and easy-to-make meal perfect for family dinners.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease to reduce fat, then stir in the garlic powder for added flavor.
3. Add Cream of Mushroom Soup: Mix the cream of mushroom soup into the cooked beef and onion mixture until everything is well combined, creating a creamy base for the casserole.
4. Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread the beef and soup mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots on top in your desired pattern.
5. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the layer of tater tots to create a delicious, cheesy crust.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• For a healthier variation, use ground turkey instead of ground beef.
• You can add vegetables like peas or corn to the beef mixture for extra nutrition.
• If you prefer a crispier top, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• This casserole reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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