Name: Tater Tot Casserole Ground: Amazing 10 Minute Meal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488303H14M33S
Total time: PT-488303H14M33S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; ½ cup sour cream; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite spices

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Tater Tot Casserole Ground Beef has been a staple in my home for years, a true taste of comfort that brings everyone to the table. I remember my mom making it on chilly evenings, the aroma of savory beef and cheesy potatoes filling our house, promising a warm and satisfying meal. This dish is pure nostalgia for me, and I’ve perfected my own version of this easy ground tater tot casserole that’s incredibly cheesy and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Tater Tot Casserole Ground Beef

This hearty dish is more than just a meal; it’s an experience! Here’s why you’ll be making this ground beef tater tot casserole recipe again and again:

Incredibly savory and cheesy flavor that satisfies every craving.
Super quick prep time of just 10 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.
A budget-friendly meal that stretches ingredients without sacrificing taste.
A guaranteed family favorite that even picky eaters will devour.
It’s a fantastic comfort food that feels like a warm hug.
This ground beef tater tot casserole recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for easy customization.
You get a complete, satisfying meal in one dish.

Ingredients for Tater Tot Casserole Ground Beef

Gathering your ingredients for this Easy Ground Tater Tot Casserole is a breeze. The star here is the quality of your ground beef; I always opt for 85/15 or 90/10 for a good balance of flavor and less grease. The cream of mushroom soup and sour cream create that wonderfully creamy sauce that binds everything together, making it oh-so-savory. Make sure your cheddar cheese is shredded – it melts much more evenly than cubes. Here’s everything you’ll need:

1 lb ground beef – I prefer 85/15 for flavor, but 90/10 works too.
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup – this is the base for our creamy sauce.
½ cup sour cream – adds a lovely tang and extra creaminess.
1 small onion, finely diced – about ½ cup, for a little aromatic sweetness.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided – for that essential cheesy layer.
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots – the crispy crown jewel of the casserole!
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – essential for flavor.
Optional seasonings – like garlic powder, paprika, or onion powder, if you want to jazz it up!

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Whipping up this classic comfort food is surprisingly simple, and the results are always spectacular. This Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 lb ground beef. As it cooks, break it apart with a spoon. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes tender and translucent, about 5 minutes. Season generously with salt, pepper, and any of your favorite optional seasonings like garlic powder. Drain off any excess grease – this is key for a less oily casserole.
Step 3: Stir in the 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup and ½ cup sour cream into the skillet with the beef and onions. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce is smooth and creamy. The aroma at this stage is just heavenly!
Step 4: Pour the savory ground beef mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. This forms the hearty base of our dish.
Step 5: Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the ground beef mixture. This layer of cheese melts into the beef, creating a delicious cheesy foundation.
Step 6: Arrange the 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the cheese and beef mixture. Make sure they are packed fairly close together to get that signature crispy topping. This is where the magic starts to happen for the Best Tater Tot Casserole Ground Beef.

Tater Tot Casserole Ground: Amazing 10 Minute Meal - Tater Tot Casserole Ground - additional detail

Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are beautifully golden brown and crispy. You’ll know it’s ready when you can smell that irresistible baked goodness.
Step 8: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the crispy tater tots.
Step 9: Return the casserole to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. This final step makes it the ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole.
Step 10: Let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to slice. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Pro Tips for the Best Tater Tot Casserole Ground Beef

Want to elevate your Tater Tot Casserole Ground Beef game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference. These simple tips will ensure your casserole is always a hit, delivering that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crispy goodness.

Don’t skip draining the grease from the ground beef; it keeps the casserole from becoming too oily.
For extra crispy tater tots, bake the casserole uncovered for the entire cooking time, or give it a quick broil for the last minute or two.
Use a good quality, full-fat cream of mushroom soup for the richest flavor and creamiest texture.
Shredding your own cheese from a block usually results in better melting than pre-shredded varieties.

What’s the secret to perfect Tater Tot Casserole Ground Beef?

The real secret to a perfect Simple Ground Tater Tot Casserole lies in the creamy sauce base. Using both cream of mushroom soup and sour cream creates a rich, tangy, and smooth binder that coats the ground beef beautifully, ensuring every bite is delicious.

Can I make Tater Tot Casserole Ground Beef ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble this Tater Tot Casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just prepare it completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole?

A common pitfall is soggy tater tots; avoid this by arranging them in a single layer and baking uncovered. Another mistake is overcooking the ground beef, which can make it dry, so cook it just until browned. Lastly, ensure you drain the excess fat from the beef for a cleaner taste. For more tips on cooking ground beef, check out this guide to cooking ground beef.

Best Ways to Serve Tater Tot Casserole Ground Beef

This classic Tater Tot Casserole Ground Beef is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides to create a complete and satisfying Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole dinner. For a truly comforting meal, I love serving it with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad cuts through the richness of the casserole beautifully. Another favorite of mine is a side of steamed green beans or broccoli; their simple flavor complements the savory beef and cheesy potatoes perfectly. You could also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chives right before serving for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal!

Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole Recipe Nutrition Facts

This hearty Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is a satisfying meal. Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:

Calories: 550-650 kcal
Fat: 35-45g
Saturated Fat: 15-20g
Protein: 25-30g
Carbohydrates: 30-40g
Fiber: 2-3g
Sugar: 4-6g
Sodium: 1000-1200mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For more information on understanding nutrition labels, you can refer to resources like the FDA’s guide to Nutrition Facts labels.

How to Store and Reheat Tater Tot Casserole Ground Beef

One of the best things about this Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole is how well it stores and reheats, making it perfect for meal prep. Once your delicious casserole has cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it incredibly convenient for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. If you want to stock up, this casserole freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, you have a few options for your stored Tater Tot Casserole Ground Beef.

For refrigerated portions, you can gently reheat in the microwave or, for the crispiest tater tots, place a serving in a small oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to bake it covered at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes, then remove the cover and bake for another 10-15 minutes to crisp up those golden tater tots.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tater Tot Casserole Ground Beef

What makes this Tater Tot Casserole Ground Beef so creamy?

The creaminess in this Creamy Ground Tater Tot Casserole comes from the perfect combination of condensed cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. These two ingredients create a rich, velvety sauce that coats the seasoned ground beef and binds everything together beautifully, ensuring every bite is wonderfully smooth and satisfying.

Can I substitute the ground beef in this Tater Tot Casserole?

Absolutely! While this recipe is designed for Tater Tot Casserole Ground Beef, you can easily swap it out. Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage work wonderfully and offer slightly different flavor profiles. Just make sure to cook your chosen meat thoroughly and drain any excess fat before proceeding with the recipe. For other ground beef ideas, check out these carnivore diet recipes.

How do I make sure the tater tots stay crispy?

To achieve those perfectly crispy tater tots on top of your Tater Tot Casserole Ground Beef, the key is to arrange them in a single layer and avoid overcrowding. Baking the casserole uncovered for the entire cooking time also helps. If they aren’t quite as golden as you’d like, a quick broil for the last minute or two can give them that extra crispiness they deserve.

What are some other ground tater tot casserole ideas I can try?

There are so many delicious ground tater tot casserole ideas! You could add a layer of mixed vegetables like corn and peas under the tater tots for extra color and nutrients, or swap the cheddar cheese for a blend of Colby Jack and Monterey Jack for a different cheesy flavor. Some people even like to add a layer of crispy fried onions or crushed crackers on top for added texture! For more dinner inspiration, explore our dinner recipes.

Ground Tater Tot Casserole Ideas and Variations You Can Try

This classic dish is incredibly versatile, and I love experimenting with different ground tater tot casserole variations to keep things exciting. Whether you’re looking for dietary swaps or new flavor profiles, there are tons of fun options. Trying these variations can transform your favorite comfort food into something new and delicious!

Cheesy Broccoli Ground Tater Tot Casserole: Add a layer of steamed broccoli florets over the beef mixture before adding the cheese and tater tots. This adds a nice pop of green and extra nutrients.
Spicy Tex-Mex Ground Tater Tot Casserole: Season your ground beef with chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne. Top with pepper jack cheese and serve with salsa or sour cream.
Ground Turkey or Sausage Tater Tot Casserole: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or your favorite breakfast sausage for a different flavor profile. Both are delicious alternatives.
Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole: For a meat-free option, use a plant-based ground meat substitute or a hearty mix of beans and corn seasoned with taco seasoning.

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