Go Back
tater tot casserole with ground beef

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

This tater tot casserole with ground beef is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that will please the whole family.
The crispy tater tots, creamy sauce, and savory beef make for a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 473 kcal

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 9x13-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.
Keyword Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef