Description
This classic Tater Tot Casserole combines savory ground beef with creamy mushroom soup, topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. It’s an easy, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 (16 ounce) package frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to ensure it’s ready for baking later.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring constantly, until it is completely browned and crumbly, approximately 7 to 10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary to reduce grease.
- Mix Beef with Soup: Stir the condensed cream of mushroom soup into the cooked beef mixture. Season with salt and ground black pepper according to your taste preferences, mixing well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the beef and soup mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread an even layer of frozen tater tots over the beef mixture, then sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes. Bake until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted thoroughly, giving the casserole a bubbly, appetizing appearance.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this hearty, comforting meal hot.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for a different flavor profile.
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese.
- Adding diced onions or garlic when cooking the beef can enhance the flavor.
- Make sure to check the seasoning and adjust salt and pepper as per your taste before baking.
- This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.