Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

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Few dishes say “comfort food” like a golden, cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef. This all-American classic brings together crispy tater tots, seasoned ground beef, creamy soup, and bubbling melted cheese in a warm, crowd-pleasing bake. It’s rich, filling, and effortlessly nostalgic — a favorite for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you need something cozy and reliable on the dinner table.

Each bite is a perfect balance of crunchy and creamy textures with that savory, home-cooked flavor you crave after a long day. Best of all, it comes together with pantry staples and minimal prep — ideal for when time is short but taste still matters.

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Why You’ll Love This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

• Super simple: Minimal prep and easy ingredients make this a go-to for any home cook.
• Family favorite: Kids and adults alike go crazy for this hearty, cheesy bake.
• Freezer-friendly: You can make it ahead and store it for later — it reheats beautifully.
• Comfort in every layer: From the seasoned beef to the crispy golden top, it’s satisfying from the first forkful to the last.
• Customizable: Add veggies, spice it up, or tweak the cheese — it’s endlessly versatile.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use for Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Before diving into this warm, cheesy casserole, it helps to have your tools and workspace organized. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Crucial for browning the ground beef evenly and getting those flavorful browned bits.
• Mixing Bowl (optional): If you’re combining soup, seasonings, or veggies before assembling.
• 9×13-Inch Baking Dish: This is the perfect size to hold all your layers without overflowing and allows the tots to crisp up beautifully on top.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For breaking up the ground beef and stirring everything together.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: To keep ingredient proportions just right.
• Oven Mitts: That dish is coming out hot and bubbly — safety first.

Having these items ready before you start will make the process smooth, especially since most of this dish comes together in layers right in the baking dish.

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Preparation Tips

• Drain the beef well: After browning the ground beef, drain the excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
• Use frozen tater tots straight from the bag: No need to thaw — they crisp up better from frozen.
• Cheese layering is key: Add some cheese under the tots and some on top for that gooey-meets-crispy effect.
• Preheat your oven fully: This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and the tater tots get golden and crunchy.
• Let it rest: Once baked, let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes. This helps it set and makes serving much easier.

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Ingredients for This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Here’s everything you need to create this hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef – Lean (80/20 or 85/15) is ideal for flavor without too much grease
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – For that rich, creamy layer
• 1/2 cup sour cream – Adds tanginess and smooth texture
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped – Optional, but adds depth to the beef layer
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Divided; for layering and topping
• 1 (32 oz) bag of frozen tater tots – The crispy golden crown of this dish
• Chopped parsley (optional) – For garnish and a pop of color

You can easily swap the mushroom soup with cream of chicken or add mixed vegetables for more color and nutrition.

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Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. If you’re using chopped onions, add them to the pan halfway through cooking. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat.

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Step 2: Mix in the Creamy Layer

Lower the heat and stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to combine and thicken slightly. This will be the base layer of your casserole.

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Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the beef and soup mixture evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.

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Step 4: Add the Tater Tots

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. You can place them neatly in rows or simply spread them out evenly across the surface.

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Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.

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Step 6: Add the Final Cheese Layer

Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return it to the oven for another 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

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Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes after baking. This helps everything set. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.

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Notes

• Make it a full meal: Stir in 1 to 1½ cups of frozen mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, or green beans) into the beef mixture before layering — easy way to add nutrition.
• Switch up the cheese: Try pepper jack for heat, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for extra melty goodness.
• Use what you have: No cream of mushroom? Cream of chicken or even cream of celery will work just fine.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Forgetting to drain the beef: This leads to an oily, soggy casserole base. Always drain excess grease before assembling.
• Overcrowding the tots: Piling too many on top can cause uneven cooking. Keep them in a single, even layer.
• Skipping the final cheese layer: That last sprinkle of cheese adds a gooey, golden finish — don’t skip it!
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated. Starting cold can lead to undercooked tots.
• Serving too soon: Let it rest before slicing, or it’ll fall apart and be too hot to enjoy.

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What to Serve With Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef?

While this casserole can definitely stand on its own, pairing it with the right sides or complements takes your meal to the next level. Whether you want something fresh, crunchy, or light, these ideas will round out your dinner beautifully.

8 Recommendations

1. Green Salad – A crisp mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the casserole.
2. Steamed Broccoli – Adds a healthy, simple veggie side without overpowering flavors.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Their crispy edges pair well with the creamy texture of the casserole.
4. Garlic Bread – Not necessary, but indulgent — perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.
5. Coleslaw – A tangy, crunchy side dish that contrasts nicely with the warmth of the casserole.
6. Pickled Vegetables – Something acidic like pickled onions or cucumbers adds a flavorful pop.
7. Sautéed Green Beans – Toss them with a little garlic and lemon zest for brightness.
8. Applesauce – A surprisingly classic pairing in some households, adding a sweet contrast to the savory dish.

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Storage Instructions

Tater Tot Casserole stores like a dream, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

• Refrigerator: Let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• To Reheat:
  • From fridge: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or until hot throughout.
  • From frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake covered for 30 minutes and uncovered for another 10–15 minutes.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx. 6 Servings)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 880mg
• Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole

Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on the brands and portions used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake it when ready to serve.

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or even ground chicken are great lean alternatives and still taste delicious.

3. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Yes — frozen mixed vegetables, peas, corn, or green beans can be stirred into the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.

4. Do I have to use cream of mushroom soup?

Nope. Cream of chicken or cream of celery both work great. You can also make a homemade white sauce if you prefer a cleaner version.

5. How do I keep the tater tots crispy?

Bake uncovered and make sure they’re in a single, even layer. You can also broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes for extra crunch.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans. It’s a great option for feeding a crowd or stocking your freezer.

7. Can I make this dairy-free?

You can try dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives, and use a dairy-free cream soup. Just know the texture and flavor will be a bit different.

8. How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Cover the portion with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. For smaller portions, the microwave works, but the tots will lose crispiness.

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Conclusion

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is more than just a quick dinner — it’s comfort food at its finest. Easy to assemble, endlessly customizable, and always satisfying, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, prepping ahead, or just craving something warm and hearty, this casserole covers all the bases.

So go ahead — layer it up, bake it until golden, and enjoy every cheesy, crispy, creamy bite.

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