You need a comforting, easy-to-make casserole dinner recipe that everyone will love. This Ground Beef and Tater Tot Casserole delivers on flavor and simplicity, making it a perfect weeknight meal that will have you coming back for more.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey or a plant-based crumble for a different spin.
- Frozen Tater Tots: No real substitute for these, they’re the star!
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup works well too.
- Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack or a Colby Jack blend are great alternatives.
- Onion: Onion powder can be used if you’re short on fresh.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (16 ounce) package frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450 calories
- Tools Needed: Large skillet, 9×13 inch baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, breaking up the beef with a spoon. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened, then drain any excess fat.
2. Create the Creamy Base
Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper with the cooked ground beef mixture. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. This forms the delicious foundation of your casserole dinner recipe.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the ground beef mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture. Make sure they cover the entire surface for that crispy topping.
4. Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Add the Cheese Topping
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. Return it to the oven and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Variation Ideas
- Add frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) to the beef mixture for extra nutrition.
- Top with a sprinkle of paprika before baking for added color.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Pepper Jack for a little kick.
Storage Instructions
You can store leftover Ground Beef and Tater Tot Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole (without the tater tots or cheese) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add the tater tots and cheese just before baking.
- Why are my tater tots not crispy? Ensure your oven is fully preheated and the tater tots are in a single layer. Don’t cover the casserole during the initial baking.
- What kind of ground beef should I use? Lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10) is recommended to minimize excess fat.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole (before baking with tater tots and cheese) for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Is this a good weeknight casserole dinner recipe? Absolutely! It’s quick to prepare and uses common ingredients, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Can I add other seasonings? Feel free to add a pinch of onion powder, Italian seasoning, or your favorite herbs to the beef mixture for more flavor.