Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole (Print version)

Hearty beef and vegetable filling topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese

# What you need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or lean)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

→ Dairy & Cheese

04 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
05 - 1 cup whole milk

→ Pantry

06 - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
07 - 2 tbsp ketchup
08 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
10 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
11 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
12 - 1/2 tsp salt

→ Topping

13 - 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
03 - Stir in mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until well combined.
04 - Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup cheddar cheese over the mixture.
05 - Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the top.
06 - Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until tater tots are golden and crisp.
07 - Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the casserole. Return to oven for 5 minutes, until cheese is melted.
08 - Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • Everything comes together in one pan before baking, meaning minimal cleanup on hectic weeknights when the last thing you want is a sink full of dishes
  • The combination of nostalgic tater tots and savory beef hits that perfect comfort food sweet spot that appeals to both kids and adults alike
02 -
  • Dont skip draining the excess fat after browning the beef, or you'll end up with a greasy layer that nobody wants on their plate
  • Letting the casserole rest for those 5 minutes before serving makes a huge difference in how well it holds its shape when you scoop it
03 -
  • Arranging the tater tots in a single layer with the cut side down gives you maximum surface area for crisping
  • Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the beef mixture if you want to deepen the flavor without it tasting overwhelmingly smoky

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