Name: Delicious Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas and carrots); 1 tsp garlic powder; Salt & pepper to taste; 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup; 32 oz frozen tater tots; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Jump to Recipe

Craving a comfort food classic that’s as hearty as it is crave-worthy? This Delicious Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is one of those dishes that brings family and friends together around the table time and again. With a golden crown of crispy tater tots, a savory layer of well-seasoned ground beef and veggies, and plenty of gooey cheddar cheese, every bite hits that warm, cozy sweet spot between nostalgia and pure dinnertime joy.

Delicious Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this dish is just how effortlessly the ingredients come together. Each addition adds its own magic touch, whether it’s for flavor, texture, or that irresistible bubbly finish. Here’s everything you need to make Delicious Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef absolutely shine:

Lean Ground Beef: The star of the show, offering a savory depth and meaty bite that anchors the casserole.
Frozen Tater Tots: These little potato pillows bake up golden and crisp, creating the perfect top layer.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds melty richness and a pop of sharp flavor that unites all the layers.
Medium Onion, Diced: A little savory sweetness and aroma comes from the humble onion, sautéed to perfection.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables (peas and carrots): These bring color, a little sweetness, and sneak in some extra nutrition.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: The nostalgic glue that melds everything together into an ultra-creamy casserole.
Garlic Powder: A gentle note of garlicky goodness enhances each bite without overpowering the dish.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings make all the flavors pop and bring balance to the casserole.

How to Make Delicious Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef until it’s fully browned, which should take about 7 to 10 minutes. This is where all that good, savory flavor starts, so let the beef get a nice bit of color. Drain off any excess fat to keep the final casserole perfectly balanced.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Toss the diced onion into the skillet with the beef and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, just until the onions turn translucent and fragrant. This simple step builds a wonderful aromatic base for the Delicious Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef—your kitchen will already start to smell amazing!

Step 3: Add Veggies and Seasoning

Next, stir in those handy frozen mixed vegetables, the garlic powder, along with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Let everything cook together for another 3 minutes. The vegetables will soften just enough, and the seasoning begins to infuse the mixture, ensuring every forkful bursts with flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate the Soup

Now, add the cream of mushroom soup straight from the can into the skillet. Stir it all together until everything is evenly coated—the soup brings all the ingredients together in a creamy, savory embrace. Make sure it’s well-mixed for the perfect casserole base.

Step 5: Layer in the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly for easy serving. Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly so every bite will have that perfect combination of flavors. This savory filling is what makes Delicious Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef so completely irresistible.

Step 6: Top with Tater Tots and Cheese

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the beef mixture—you want every inch covered for ultimate crispness. Then, shower the tops generously with shredded sharp cheddar cheese. As this bakes, it’ll form a bubbly, golden crown that’s truly mouthwatering.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Transfer the dish to your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. By the time it’s done, the tater tots should be golden and crispy, and the cheese will be beautifully melted and bubbly. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving, so it sets up for those perfect squares.

How to Serve Delicious Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Garnishes

A little garnish can make every serving feel extra special. Try a handful of chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions sprinkled over the top right before serving. These pops of green add freshness and a touch of color that makes the Delicious Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is already a complete meal, keep the sides simple. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works wonders to balance the richness, or offer steamed broccoli or buttered corn for a classic homey pairing. Warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls are also perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress up this old-school favorite by baking and serving it in individual ramekins for a personalized touch, or scoop it into little bowls for a cozy, informal meal. If you’re serving a crowd, set up a toppings bar with jalapeños, sour cream, or chopped tomatoes, and let everyone customize their own serving of Delicious Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. This casserole reheats wonderfully, making it a perfect option for quick lunches or no-fuss dinners later in the week. Just be sure the container is tightly sealed to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

Delicious Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a freezer-friendly hero! You can freeze the whole baked casserole, or portion out individual servings before freezing. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container. Label and date it for best results, and use within 2–3 months for top flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply bake leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the tater tots have crisped up again (about 20–25 minutes for a full casserole, less for individual portions). If microwaving, the tots won’t be as crisp, but you can pop your serving under a broiler for a couple of minutes to restore some crunch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground for a lighter twist. Just remember to season well and cook thoroughly for the same comforting results.

What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

No worries—you can swap in cream of chicken soup, cream of celery, or even make your own creamy sauce with broth, milk, and a little flour. Each brings its own flavor, so feel free to experiment!

Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the layers, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature while your oven preheats, and you may need to add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Try tossing in a handful of cooked, crumbled bacon or a dash of smoked paprika for a fun twist. A spoonful of sour cream mixed into the base is also a delicious secret for added richness.

How do I know when it’s done?

The casserole is finished when the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbling. If you gently shake the dish and the center is hot and set, you’re ready to dig in!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, easy to make comfort food that always earns rave reviews, give this Delicious Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef a spot on your dinner table. It’s pure cozy goodness in every bite and destined to become a new family favorite. Happy cooking!

Delicious Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 14 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a hearty and comforting dish that the whole family will love. Layers of crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, mixed vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese come together perfectly in this easy-to-make casserole.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas and carrots)
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup

Additional Ingredients:

32 oz frozen tater tots
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Brown Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for 7-10 minutes; drain excess fat.
Sauté Onion: Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent (3-5 minutes).
Add Vegetables: Stir in frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; cook for an additional 3 minutes.
Combine: Mix in the cream of mushroom soup until well combined.
Layer: Spread the mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with frozen tater tots and shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until tots are golden brown and cheese is bubbly.

Notes

You can customize this casserole by adding your favorite seasonings or swapping out vegetables.
For a crispy topping, broil the casserole for a few minutes at the end of baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American