Description
Hearty tater tot casserole with ground beef brings classic midwestern comfort to dinner tables. Simple ingredients and easy preparation make this dish a family favorite for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 package (32 ounces/907 grams) frozen tater tots
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy and Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the ground beef mixture by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté ground beef and onions until meat browns thoroughly for 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook briefly, then drain any accumulated fat to prevent excess greasiness.
- Create the casserole base by incorporating cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture.
- Fold frozen mixed vegetables and one portion of shredded cheddar cheese into the seasoned meat mixture until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the combined mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it uniformly across the bottom of the pan.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single, neat layer covering the entire surface of the meat mixture.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes until tater tots turn golden and crisp.
- Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle remaining cheese over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese melts completely.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, then optionally garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- Drain beef thoroughly to prevent a soggy casserole and ensure crispy tater tots.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
- Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra flavor kick and subtle heat.
- Use low-fat cream of mushroom soup and reduced-fat cheese to make the dish lighter and more diet-friendly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 508 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 652 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg