Crispy Tater Tot Casserole with Hearty Ground Beef (Print Version)

Classic Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef, layered with savory beef and crispy tots. An easy, comforting weeknight meal your family will adore.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Meat

# Ingredients:

→ Hearty Base

01 - 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (80/20 recommended)
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Creamy Sauce

04 - 1 (10.5 oz / 298g) can cream of mushroom soup
05 - 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
06 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

→ Crispy Topping

07 - 1 (32 oz / 907g) bag frozen tater tots
08 - 2 cups (225g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

→ Flavor Boosters

09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, grab your biggest skillet and get it nice and hot over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want it to brown up real nice, getting those little crispy bits; that’s flavor, hon! Drain off any excess grease – I once forgot this step, and the casserole was a greasy mess, lesson learned! Then, add your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and smelling amazing, like a cozy kitchen. This usually takes me about 5-7 minutes. Oh, and don't forget to season the beef with a pinch of salt and pepper here; it layers the flavor for your Classic Tater Tot Casserole.
02 - Once your beef is browned and the onions are tender, it’s time for the magical sauce! Stir in that can of cream of mushroom soup right into the skillet with the beef. It’ll look a bit thick at first, but don't panic. Pour in the milk and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Give it a good stir until everything is combined and smooth. Let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes, just enough for the flavors to meld and for the sauce to warm through. This is where the base of your Classic Tater Tot Casserole really comes alive, smelling rich and savory.
03 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish – my old chipped ceramic one is a veteran of many casseroles! Pour the entire beef and sauce mixture from your skillet into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. You want a nice, flat layer for the tots to sit on. This is the foundation of your Classic Tater Tot Casserole, so make sure it's spread from corner to corner. I sometimes sneak a little taste of the sauce here, just to make sure the seasoning is spot on!
04 - Now for the good stuff! Sprinkle about half of your shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture. This creates a lovely cheesy layer right in the middle, adding extra gooeyness. I used to just put all the cheese on top, but a middle layer? Game changer for the texture of your Classic Tater Tot Casserole. It melts down into the sauce, making it even more decadent. Don't be shy, get that cheese in every nook and cranny!
05 - This is the fun part! Arrange your frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. Don't thaw them, seriously! They get perfectly crispy straight from the freezer. I like to line them up neatly, but sometimes I just dump them and spread them out – kitchen chaos, you know? Just make sure they cover the entire surface. This golden crown is what makes a Classic Tater Tot Casserole so iconic!
06 - Pop that glorious dish into your preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, until the filling is bubbly around the edges and the tater tots are starting to turn golden. Then, pull it out, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the tots, and return it to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tots are beautifully crisp and golden brown. Let your Classic Tater Tot Casserole rest for a few minutes before serving; it helps the sauce set and prevents burnt tongues!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd your skillet when browning beef; it steams instead of browns, losing flavor.
02 - Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days; reheat in oven for best tot crispness.
03 - Try adding a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a little extra kick, it's a game-changer.
04 - Serve with a simple green salad to cut through the richness, it's my favorite pairing.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - 9x13 inch baking dish
02 - large skillet

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 Calories
Total Fat: 28g Fat
Total Carbohydrate: 30g Carbs
Protein: 25g Protein

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