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Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole Everyone Will Love

Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole Everyone Will Love

A creamy ground beef casserole topped with crisp frozen tater tots and melted sharp cheddar cheese. Optional mixed vegetables add color, sweetness, and extra substance to this comforting dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef Filling
  • 1 pound Lean ground beef
  • 1 small Small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
Creamy Sauce
  • 1 10.5-ounce can Condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup Sour cream
  • 1 cup, divided Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Optional Addition
  • 1 cup Frozen mixed vegetables, such as peas and carrots
Topping
  • 1 28-32 ounce package Frozen tater tots
  • 1/2 teaspoon, optional Paprika

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the beef, until browned and the onion is tender.
  3. Add the minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds, then drain excess grease if necessary.
  4. Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar, and the frozen mixed vegetables if using.
  5. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  6. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the filling. Sprinkle with paprika if desired.
  7. Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, until the filling is hot and bubbling and the tater tots are crisp and golden.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar over the tater tots and return the casserole to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese melts.
  9. Rest the casserole for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Keep the tater tots frozen and arrange them in one neat layer for the best browning. Drain excess grease from the beef before adding the creamy ingredients so the casserole does not become greasy.