Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole (Printable)
Hearty beef and vegetable casserole topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or lean)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
→ Dairy & Cheese
04 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
05 - 1 cup whole milk
→ Pantry
06 - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
07 - 2 tbsp ketchup
08 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
10 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
11 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
12 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ Topping
13 - 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
03 - Stir in mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until well combined and heated through.
04 - Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup cheddar cheese over the mixture.
05 - Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top, covering completely.
06 - Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
07 - Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the casserole. Return to oven for 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
08 - Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Everything comes together in one pan with minimal prep work
- The combination of crispy tater tots and melted cheese is pure comfort food magic
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day
02 -
- Letting the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving helps the sauce set slightly so portions hold their shape
- Arrange the tater tots in neat rows rather than dumping them for more even crisping
03 -
- Use a slotted spoon to drain the beef mixture so you do not lose any of those yummy onion bits
- Place the baking dish on a foil lined sheet pan to catch any cheese drips in the oven