There’s something about home-cooked meals that just wraps you in a warm hug, isn’t there? My go-to for a cozy night in is definitely my tater tot casserole with ground beef. It’s the ultimate comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying! I remember the first time I made it for my family; the smiles on their faces as they dug in were priceless. The combination of crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, and gooey cheese always hits the spot. Plus, it’s super easy to whip together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!
Ingredients for Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
- 1 lb ground beef, browned
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is super important because we need that perfect hot environment for the tater tots to get nice and crispy!
Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned and crumbled, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir it occasionally to get an even cook. Once it’s looking good, drain any excess fat to keep things on the healthier side—nobody wants a greasy casserole!
Combine Ingredients
Now, let’s bring everything together! In the same skillet, add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and your frozen mixed vegetables to the browned beef. Stir it all together until everything is combined and creamy. The smell is already making my mouth water!
Assemble the Casserole
Grab a baking dish and spread that hearty beef mixture evenly across the bottom. You want every bite to have that delicious filling. Next, layer those frozen tater tots on top, arranging them neatly so they cover the beef mixture like a cozy blanket.
Add Cheese and Bake
Now for my favorite part! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the tater tots. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots turn golden brown and crispy. Oh, the anticipation!
Tips for Success
Want to elevate your tater tot casserole with ground beef to the next level? I’ve got some handy tips to share! First off, if you’re looking for a lighter option, feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey. It’s just as delicious and cuts down on the calories a bit!
Now, let’s talk flavor! Don’t hesitate to add some spices to your beef mixture. A dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or even some paprika can really amp up the taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in a bit of chili powder for a nice kick!
Also, mixing in some diced onions or bell peppers with the beef while it’s browning can add a nice crunch and sweetness to the dish. Trust me, those little touches make a world of difference!
Lastly, if you have any leftover vegetables in your fridge, this casserole is a fantastic way to use them up. Just chop them up and toss them in—it’s all about making this dish your own!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and filling, guaranteed to satisfy even the biggest appetites.
- One-dish meal means less cleanup—win-win!
- Cheesy goodness paired with crispy tater tots is a crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite veggies or spices.
- Kid-friendly and sure to become a family favorite.
- Comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Nutritional Information for Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Before you dive into this deliciousness, let’s chat about the nutritional info! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so they’re just a guideline. Here’s what you can typically expect per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
This hearty casserole packs a punch with a good balance of protein and carbs, making it a satisfying meal. Just remember, if you’re watching your sodium or fat intake, you can always tweak the ingredients to suit your dietary needs. Enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make tater tot casserole with ground beef ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey works wonderfully! It’ll still give you that hearty texture and flavor. You could also try ground chicken or even a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian twist—just make sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly.
How should I store leftovers?
To keep your tater tot casserole fresh, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The tater tots may lose some crispiness, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! This casserole is super flexible. Feel free to toss in any leftover veggies you have on hand, like diced bell peppers, corn, or even spinach. Just make sure to chop them small enough so they blend well with the other ingredients.
What do you recommend serving with tater tot casserole?
A simple side salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the casserole. You could also serve it with some garlic bread or steamed veggies for a complete meal. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be a hit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your tater tot casserole with ground beef is super simple and ensures you can enjoy those leftovers later! Once the casserole has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tightly to maintain its flavor and moisture. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it! Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It should hold up nicely for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to dig in, reheating is easy too! If you’re reheating from the fridge, you can pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through. Cover it with foil to keep the tater tots from getting overly browned. If you’re pulling it straight from the freezer, let it thaw overnight in the fridge first for the best results, then reheat as mentioned. For a quick option, you can use the microwave, but I recommend the oven if you want to keep that crispy texture on the tater tots. Enjoy those tasty bites again!
Print
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef: 7 Comforting Secrets
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty tater tot casserole featuring ground beef, cheese, and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Drain excess fat and add cream of mushroom soup, milk, and vegetables. Stir to combine.
- Spread the beef mixture in a baking dish.
- Top with tater tots in an even layer.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until tater tots are golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Add spices for additional flavor.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, easy casserole recipe