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Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 127 reviews

This hearty Tater Tot Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions and garlic, tender peas and carrots, and creamy mushroom soup, all topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy tater tots. Perfect as a comforting, family-friendly meal baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 2 cups finely diced onion (about 1 medium onion)
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 5–6 cloves)
  • 3 cups thawed frozen peas and carrots

Seasonings and Sauces

  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • salt (to taste)
  • ground black pepper (to taste)

Other Ingredients

  • 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots (more or less as needed)
  • nonstick cooking spray (for casserole dish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
  2. Sauté Ground Beef: Heat a large 12 or 14-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 2 pounds of lean ground beef, cooking and breaking it up for 7-10 minutes until no pink remains. Drain excess grease.
  3. Add Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 cups finely diced onions and 2 tablespoons minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  4. Combine Flavorings and Vegetables: Stir in 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons dried parsley, thawed peas and carrots, and 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer.
  6. Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the cheese. Use more or fewer tots based on your casserole dish size.
  7. Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the casserole edges are bubbling.
  8. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

  • You can substitute cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup if preferred.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder to the beef mixture.
  • To reduce sodium content, use low-sodium soups and adjust salt accordingly.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat in the oven or microwave.
  • Add shredded cheese on top of the tater tots in the last 5 minutes of baking for an extra cheesy crust.

Keywords: tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy casserole

Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/tater-tot-casserole-recipe/