Description: Indulge in the heartwarming and comforting flavors of this Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole. Combining savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots, all topped with a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or any occasion where you crave a satisfying and easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures that the casserole doesn’t stick and makes for easy cleanup.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Break the beef apart with a spatula as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once the beef is fully browned, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. Removing excess fat is crucial for preventing a greasy casserole.
Step 3: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, approximately 3-5 minutes. Cooking the aromatics enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.
Step 4: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and fully combined. Ensure there are no lumps from the soup or sour cream. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed, adding a pinch more salt or pepper to your preference.
Step 5: Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Ensure the mixture is spread evenly so that each serving contains a balanced amount of beef and sauce.
Step 6: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture. The cheese will melt into the beef mixture while baking, creating a cheesy layer underneath the tater tots.
Step 7: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef and cheese mixture. For best results, place the tater tots close together but not overlapping. This ensures they cook evenly and become crispy.
COOKING Instructions:
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking to prevent the tater tots from burning.
Add More Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired, for a touch of color and freshness. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly. Serve hot and enjoy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of comfort and satisfaction. The combination of savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots creates a symphony of textures and flavors that’s simply irresistible.
Here are a few reasons why this recipe will become a family favorite:
- Ultimate Comfort Food: This casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It’s warm, hearty, and satisfying, perfect for a chilly evening or when you need a little pick-me-up.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is incredibly easy to make, even for novice cooks.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This casserole is always a hit at gatherings and potlucks. Everyone loves the combination of ground beef, cheese, and tater tots.
- Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Add different vegetables, spices, or cheeses to create your own unique version.
- Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are affordable and readily available, making this a budget-friendly meal option.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Salad: Serve with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the casserole.
- Steamed Vegetables: Complement the casserole with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a healthy and colorful meal.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Coleslaw: Pair with a side of coleslaw for a refreshing and tangy contrast.
- Corn on the Cob: Enjoy with grilled or steamed corn on the cob for a classic comfort food combination.
Tips:
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef helps prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy.
- Don’t Overcook the Tater Tots: Keep an eye on the tater tots while baking to prevent them from burning. They should be golden brown and crispy.
- Customize the Cheese: Feel free to use your favorite shredded cheese blend. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend would all work well.
- Add Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn to the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.) Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving Protein: 25-35g per serving Sodium: 700-900mg per serving
Conclusion:
The Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole is a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined in a way that creates an unforgettable culinary experience. It’s a dish that brings people together, evokes feelings of nostalgia, and satisfies even the heartiest of appetites. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to share with loved ones, this casserole is sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to make it your own, and most importantly, enjoy every delicious bite!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I use a different type of ground meat? A: Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative. Just ensure to adjust cooking times as needed.
Q2: Can I add vegetables to the casserole? A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables like diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or corn can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the casserole. Sauté the vegetables along with the ground beef and garlic.
Q3: Can I use a different type of soup? A: While cream of mushroom soup is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cream-based soups such as cream of celery or cream of chicken.
Q4: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Q5: Can I freeze the casserole? A: Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely before reheating.
