Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole with Cheese

Introduction

Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole with Cheese is a classic comfort food that combines hearty ground beef, creamy vegetables, savory seasonings, and crispy golden tater tots, all topped with melted cheese. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings. It’s the kind of meal that brings warmth, nostalgia, and satisfaction to the table, with layers of flavor and texture that everyone loves.

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You can prepare it in less than 30 minutes, bake it in the oven, and have a delicious, hearty meal that feels like it took hours. The creamy ground beef mixture pairs perfectly with crispy tater tots and gooey melted cheese, creating a comforting one-dish meal that’s a crowd-pleaser.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole because it’s the ultimate comfort food. The combination of savory, cheesy, and crispy elements makes it irresistible. Each bite has a perfect balance of flavors: the seasoned ground beef and creamy sauce provide depth, the tater tots offer crunch and texture, and the melted cheese on top brings everything together.

It’s also versatile and family-friendly. Kids love the tater tots and cheese, while adults appreciate the hearty, satisfying nature of the casserole. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients to create a homey, delicious meal that everyone will request again and again.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

1. Ultimate Comfort Food:
This casserole combines tender, seasoned ground beef, creamy vegetables, crispy golden tater tots, and melted cheese. Every bite delivers warmth, heartiness, and nostalgia, making it the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.

2. Easy, One-Dish Meal:
With minimal prep and one baking dish, this recipe is convenient for busy weeknights. It’s a complete meal in one dish, saving time without sacrificing flavor.

3. Crowd-Pleaser:
Kids and adults alike love it. The combination of crispy tater tots and gooey cheese appeals to all ages, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings.

4. Versatile and Customizable:
You can swap vegetables, add extra cheese, or even spice it up with paprika or chili flakes. This flexibility ensures the dish can cater to your family’s tastes.

5. Budget-Friendly and Satisfying:
Ground beef, tater tots, and cheese are affordable ingredients that deliver a hearty, filling meal, making it an excellent choice for families or meal prepping.

6. Classic and Nostalgic:
It’s a timeless dish that evokes memories of home-cooked comfort food, yet it’s simple enough to make on a weeknight. Its flavor, ease, and crowd-pleasing nature make it a must-try recipe.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories per Serving: ~500 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / Comfort Food

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)

For the Topping:

• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Ground Beef:
   In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
3. Add Vegetables and Seasoning:
   Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in salt, black pepper, and paprika.
4. Mix Casserole Base:
   Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and frozen mixed vegetables. Cook for 2-3 minutes until well combined.
5. Assemble Casserole:
   Transfer the beef mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
6. Bake:
   Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until tater tots are golden and crispy.
7. Add Cheese:
   Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet, then drain fat.
3. Sauté onion and garlic with beef until softened.
4. Stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, mixed vegetables, and seasonings.
5. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
6. Arrange frozen tater tots on top in a single layer.
7. Bake 25-30 minutes until tater tots are crispy.
8. Sprinkle cheese over the casserole and bake another 5-10 minutes.
9. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

How to Serve

Serve this casserole straight from the oven as a hearty main course. It pairs well with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Use a mix of cheeses for extra flavor (cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack).
• For crispier tater tots, bake uncovered.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for more nutrition.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to set slightly.

Variations

• Low-Carb Option: Substitute cauliflower tots for tater tots.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the beef mixture.
• Creamy Cheese: Stir some cheese into the beef mixture before topping with tater tots.
• Slow Cooker Version: Assemble in a slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours, adding tater tots in the last 30 minutes and cheese in the final 10 minutes.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze before baking in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet for cooking beef
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Conclusion

Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole with Cheese is a hearty, comforting, and crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers. The combination of savory ground beef, creamy vegetables, crispy tater tots, and melted cheese makes it an irresistible one-dish meal. Easy to prepare, versatile, and delicious, this casserole is a classic comfort food that everyone will love.