Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is the epitome of comfort food, combining layers of savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and a crispy, golden topping of tater tots. Beloved for its simplicity and rich, hearty flavors, this dish is a favorite in households across the country. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this casserole delivers on all fronts.
Ingredients and Preparation
The foundation of this casserole is built on a handful of simple, yet flavorful ingredients. You will need one bag of frozen tater tots (28 to 30 oz), one pound of lean ground beef, and one medium yellow onion, diced. Additionally, gather two cups of frozen mixed vegetables, thawed, or use fresh diced vegetables if you prefer. The recipe also calls for 10.5 ounces of condensed cream of mushroom soup, one-third cup of milk, a quarter teaspoon of dried oregano, a quarter teaspoon of dried parsley, and salt and black pepper to taste. Finally, you will need two cups of shredded cheddar cheese, divided.
Start by gathering all your ingredients to streamline the cooking process. Dice the onion finely to ensure it cooks evenly with the ground beef. If using fresh vegetables, dice them into small, uniform pieces to match the size of the frozen mixed vegetables.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature when you’re ready to bake the casserole.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is fully browned, with no pink remaining. Drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
In a medium bowl, mix the thawed mixed vegetables, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the cooked beef and onion mixture, along with ½ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. This mixture forms the flavorful base of the casserole.
Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly into a 3-quart or 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top, ensuring a cheesy finish that melts perfectly under the tater tots.
Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese-covered mixture. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The casserole is done when the sauce is bubbly, and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
- Tips for Perfect Tater Tot Casserole:
- Choosing the right type of ground beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the casserole from being too greasy. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use ground chuck.
- Best vegetables to use: While frozen mixed vegetables are convenient, fresh vegetables like bell peppers, peas, and carrots can add a fresh, vibrant touch.
- How to ensure the casserole is bubbly and golden: Bake until the tater tots are perfectly crispy and the cheese has melted into the mixture, ensuring a bubbly, golden top layer.
- Common Questions About Tater Tot Casserole:
- Can this casserole be made ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- How do I make this recipe gluten-free? Use a gluten-free condensed cream of mushroom soup and ensure all other ingredients, including the tater tots, are gluten-free.
- Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen? Absolutely, just make sure to chop them into small, even pieces and consider lightly steaming them before adding to the mixture.
- What is the best way to freeze this casserole? Assemble the casserole without baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Pair your tater tot casserole with a crisp, fresh salad to balance out the richness of the dish. A simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette works wonderfully. Alternatively, serve it alongside garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up any extra sauce.
Complement the savory flavors of the casserole with a refreshing beverage. Consider serving a chilled white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, or a light beer. For non-alcoholic options, iced tea or a sparkling water with a twist of lemon adds a nice touch.
Variations and Substitutions
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Swap out the mixed vegetables for your favorite fresh produce. Broccoli, zucchini, or green beans make great additions.
- While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a spicy pepper jack for a bit of heat.
Recipe Variations:
- Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless alternative for a vegetarian version.
- Use a plant-based ground meat and a cream of mushroom soup that’s free from animal products.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed. Alternatively, you can reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to maintain the crispy texture of the tater tots.
Enjoy this classic Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef, a dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to every bite!
Ingredients
1 bag frozen tater tots (28 to 30 oz)
1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed (or fresh diced vegetables)
10.5 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup
â…“ cup milk
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. Be sure to drain any excess fat.
- In a medium bowl, combine the thawed mixed vegetables, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix in the cooked beef and onion mixture, along with ½ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a 3-quart or 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture.
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese-covered mixture. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen tater tots 28 to 30 oz
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables thawed (or fresh diced vegetables)
- 10.5 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup
- â…“ cup milk
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. Be sure to drain any excess fat.
- In a medium bowl, combine the thawed mixed vegetables, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix in the cooked beef and onion mixture, along with ½ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a 3-quart or 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture.
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese-covered mixture. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.