Description
A comforting and hearty Tater Tot Casserole featuring savory ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy tater tots, baked to golden perfection. This classic American casserole is perfect for a family dinner, combining rich flavors and satisfying textures in an easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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, divided
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Ingredients
- 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 to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. If using, stir in frozen peas or green beans and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the cream of mushroom soup with the sour cream until smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the soup and sour cream mixture over the beef, spreading it evenly across the surface. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over this sauce layer. Carefully arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking to set. This resting time helps the casserole firm up for easier serving. Then, spoon onto plates and enjoy this warm, comforting dish.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) and reduce the amount of sour cream or substitute with Greek yogurt.
- You can add other vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make sure to thaw frozen peas or green beans slightly before adding to the skillet for even cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- This casserole can be assembled in advance and stored in the fridge before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
