Description
Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole combines crispy golden tater tots with a savory layer of seasoned ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, and a delightful blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. This hearty, comforting casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for satisfying weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend meals.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Tater Tots & Garnish
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 6–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Garlic and Soup: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Mix in the cream of mushroom soup and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Evenly spread the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add Cheese Layers: Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and half of the cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer.
- Arrange Tater Tots: Place the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, ensuring an even coverage.
- Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake the uncovered casserole in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes to set before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired for a fresh touch.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use seasoned tater tots instead of plain ones.
- Add diced bell peppers or peas to the beef mixture to boost vegetable content and nutrition.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef.
