Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Serving: 6-8 people

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Meat Layer:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Creamy Layer:
1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

For the Topping:
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for final topping)
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This size dish is perfect for feeding a crowd and ensures the casserole bakes evenly throughout.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.

Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for another 30 seconds until aromatic, then add the ground beef to the skillet. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook for 6-8 minutes until it’s completely browned and no pink remains.

Drain any excess fat from the skillet, leaving just enough to keep the mixture moist. Season the cooked beef with the taco seasoning packet, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the meat.

Remove the skillet from heat and let the meat mixture cool slightly while you prepare the creamy sauce that will bind everything together and add richness to every bite.

Creating the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth and well combined. This mixture should be creamy and pourable, creating the perfect base for your casserole.

Stir the frozen mixed vegetables into the creamy mixture, followed by 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. The frozen vegetables will thaw during baking and add color, nutrition, and texture to the finished dish.

Add the seasoned ground beef mixture to the creamy vegetable mixture and fold everything together gently until well combined. The mixture should be creamy but not soupy, with the ingredients evenly distributed throughout.

Spread this hearty mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish, creating a smooth, even layer that will serve as the foundation for your crispy tater tot topping.

Assembling and Baking

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the meat and vegetable mixture, covering the entire surface. Don’t thaw the tater tots first – they’ll cook perfectly from frozen and develop that golden, crispy exterior we’re after.

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top, and you can see the edges of the casserole bubbling around the sides.

Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hot tater tots. Return to the oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set up and make serving easier. Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of fresh color and mild onion flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve generous portions of this hearty casserole with a simple side salad or steamed green vegetables to balance the richness. The creamy, cheesy goodness pairs perfectly with something fresh and crisp.

Tips for Perfect Tater Tot Casserole

Choose the right ground beef with 80/20 fat content for the best flavor and texture. Leaner beef can result in a drier casserole, while fattier beef might make it greasy.

Don’t skip draining the fat after browning the beef, as excess grease can make the casserole oily and prevent proper crisping of the tater tots.

Use frozen vegetables rather than fresh, as they won’t release excess moisture during baking and will maintain better texture in the finished dish.

Arrange tater tots properly in a single, even layer for uniform browning and crispiness. Overlapping tots won’t cook evenly and may result in some being soggy.

Test for doneness by checking that the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and that the casserole is bubbling around the edges, indicating it’s heated through completely.

Make it ahead by assembling the casserole without the final cheese topping, covering and refrigerating for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Customize the flavors by using different seasoning packets like ranch dressing mix or onion soup mix instead of taco seasoning for variety.

Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or jalapeños to the meat mixture for additional flavor and nutrition without changing the basic structure.

Variations and Substitutions

Transform this basic recipe by using ground turkey instead of beef, adding different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack, or incorporating leftover rotisserie chicken for a different protein option.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish covered in a 350-degree oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 7 servings):

• Calories: 485
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Sodium: 1,150mg
• Iron: 3.8mg
• Calcium: 285mg
• Vitamin A: 2,850 IU

This hearty casserole provides substantial protein from the ground beef and a good balance of carbohydrates from the tater tots. The mixed vegetables contribute vitamins A and C, while the dairy products add calcium for bone health. Though indulgent, it offers complete nutrition in a single dish that satisfies both hunger and comfort food cravings in reasonable portions.