Tater Tot Ground Beef Casserole (Printable)

Savory ground beef and mixed vegetables topped with golden crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese.

# Ingredient List:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound ground beef

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)

→ Dairy & Sauces

05 - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
06 - 1/2 cup whole milk
07 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

→ Topping

08 - 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
12 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

# How to Make:

01 - Set oven temperature to 400°F.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, stirring and breaking it up evenly; drain excess fat if needed.
03 - Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
04 - Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
05 - Mix in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and whole milk; stir until fully incorporated and heated through, then season with salt, black pepper, and paprika if using.
06 - Remove skillet from heat and fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
07 - Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture evenly into a 9x13-inch baking dish.
08 - Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer atop the mixture.
09 - Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
10 - Remove casserole from oven, sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots, then return to oven and bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes until cheese melts and tater tots are golden.
11 - Optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley; serve hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It uses ingredients you probably already have hiding in the freezer and pantry, so no special trip to the store required.
  • The crispy tater tot layer makes everyone happy, even the pickiest eaters who usually avoid casseroles.
  • Cleanup is minimal since everything bakes in one dish, leaving you more time to sit down and actually enjoy dinner.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully, and somehow taste even better the next day when the flavors have melded together.
02 -
  • Dont skip draining the beef if its fatty, or the casserole will end up swimming in grease instead of being rich and creamy.
  • Use frozen tater tots straight from the freezer, thawing them first makes them soggy and they wont crisp up properly in the oven.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking so the filling sets slightly and doesnt slide apart when you serve it.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet to brown the beef if you have one, the extra heat helps develop deeper flavor and a better sear.
  • Arrange the tater tots tightly together in rows so they support each other and crisp evenly, leaving no gaps for the filling to bubble through and burn.
  • Broil the casserole for the last minute or two if you want the cheese to get bubbly and browned on top, but watch it closely so it doesnt scorch.
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