Description
This easy-to-bake Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a savory beef and cheese filling topped with crispy golden tater tots. It’s a hearty, flavor-packed dish perfect for a satisfying family meal any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- Optional: fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Prep Oven & Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- 2. Brown Beef & Aromatics: In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3. Create Creamy Base: Stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using) into the beef mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- 4. Assemble Casserole: Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- 5. Bake & Rest: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and cheese is bubbly. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins