Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce.
It’s a hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to serve something delicious and filling.
Whether you’re sticking to the classic recipe or trying out a new variation, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, versatile, and oh-so-delicious.
Serving Suggestions for Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Simple Green Salad:
Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to add freshness and balance to the rich casserole.
Steamed Vegetables:
Pair with steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots to increase the nutritional value of the meal.
Coleslaw:
A tangy coleslaw can provide a nice contrast to the creamy and savory flavors of the casserole.
Pickles:
Serve with a side of pickles or pickled vegetables for a crunchy and tangy accompaniment.
Garlic Bread:
Add some garlic bread or dinner rolls on the side to soak up any extra sauce and make the meal more filling.
Condiments:
Offer condiments like ketchup, ranch dressing, or hot sauce for those who like to add extra flavor to their tater tots.
Fruit Salad:
A light and refreshing fruit salad can be a great way to balance out the meal and provide a sweet finish.
Cooking Tips
Use Lean Ground Beef:
Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the casserole. If using higher-fat ground beef, make sure to drain the fat after browning.
Uniform Tater Tot Layer:
Arrange the tater tots in a single, even layer for the best texture and even cooking. This ensures they get crispy and golden brown.
Seasoning:
Season each layer of the casserole. Add salt and pepper to the ground beef while cooking, and taste the cream of mushroom soup mixture to adjust the seasoning if needed.
Cheese Varieties:
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar is classic, but pepper jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses can add a unique flavor.
Vegetable Add-ins:
Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to increase the nutritional content and add more flavor and texture.
Sour Cream Substitute:
If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier substitute with a similar creamy texture.
Make-Ahead:
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble it up to the point of adding the tater tots, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Cover with Foil (if needed):
If the tater tots are browning too quickly, cover the casserole with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Let it Rest:
Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
Check Doneness:
Ensure the center of the casserole is hot and bubbly before removing it from the oven. This ensures everything is thoroughly cooked.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I make tater tot casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven as directed.
How can I make the casserole healthier?
To lighten up the casserole, use lean ground beef or turkey, low-fat cheese, and a homemade sauce with reduced sodium. You can also add more vegetables for extra nutrients.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package 32 oz frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or green beans
Instructions
- Preparation:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coating of oil.
- Cook the Ground Beef:Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper to taste.If using frozen peas or green beans, add them to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Mix the Sauce:In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Mix well.
- Assemble the Casserole:Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.Pour the soup and sour cream mixture over the beef, spreading it out evenly.Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the soup mixture.Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake the Casserole:Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top.Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
- Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables to the casserole, such as bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms, to boost the nutritional content.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses, for a different flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.