The Ultimate Tater Tot Casserole with Beef

The Ultimate Comfort Food: Tater Tot Casserole with Beef

Ever have one of those days where only pure comfort food will do? I have a recipe for you! This tater tot casserole with ground beef is like a big, warm hug.

It's savoury, satisfying and just hits the spot.

What's the Deal with This Casserole?

This classic tater tot casserole hails from the good old US of A. It's the quintessential comfort food casserole recipe .

We are talking easy casserole recipes . Think simple ingredients and maximum flavour. It is super easy to make and takes about an hour start to finish.

This recipe makes enough to feed a family of six easily.

Why You'll Love This Easy Tater Tot Casserole

This recipe has it all. It is quick, easy, and the kids love it. You know? The combination of savoury beef and crispy tater tots is just irresistible.

It is great for busy weeknights or even a casual get-together. It is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients for Your New Favorite Ground Beef Casserole

Let’s gather our troops! Here's what you'll need to make this incredible family friendly casserole meals :

• Beef Up: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (15 ml), 1 pound ground beef (450g), 80/20 blend.
• Veggie Power: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup) (150g), 1 green bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup) (150g), 2 cloves garlic, minced.
• Sauce Magic: 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (300g), 1/2 cup milk (120 ml), 1/2 cup ketchup (120 ml), 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (15 ml), 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste.
• Tater Tot Heaven: 1 (32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots (900g), 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (100g) optional, chopped green onions for garnish optional.

Right, now we have all our ingredients! Ready to get cracking?

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this ultimate tater tot casserole with ground beef . Honestly, this recipe is so easy, it's practically foolproof.

Ingredients & Equipment for Tater Tot Glory

Let's get this easy tater tot casserole rolling! First up, the ingredients. I love this comfort food casserole recipe

Main Ingredients

• Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Any will do.
• Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g) . I prefer 80/20 blend for that extra juicy flavour.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup or 150g ). Brown or white is fine
• Green Bell Pepper: 1 , chopped (about 1 cup or 150g ).
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best!
• Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 can (10.75 ounce or 300g) . This is the base for the sauce.
• Milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml) . Any kind will work.
• Ketchup: 1/2 cup (120 ml) . Adds a nice sweetness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Don't skip this, it's magic.
• Dried Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon . For that Italian je ne sais quoi .
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon , or to taste.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon , or to taste.
• Frozen Tater Tots: 1 bag (32 ounce or 900g) . The star of the show.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup (100g) (optional).
• Chopped Green Onions: For garnish (optional).

That's the main cast. For the ground beef, look for beef that's a nice, vibrant red color. Not too pale.

Seasoning Notes

Get ready to spice things up.

• Essential Spice Combinations: Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper are key.
• Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic. Honestly, Worcestershire sauce adds a real depth of flavour.
• Quick Substitution Options: No Italian seasoning? Use a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme.

Equipment Needed

Time to raid the kitchen.

• Large Skillet or Dutch oven. This is to cook the mince
• 9x13 inch baking dish. This is to build the tater tot bake
• Mixing Spoon. For stirring it all together.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Gotta get those measurements right.

That's pretty much it! Don't stress too much about having exactly the right stuff. A quick dinner casserole like this is all about being flexible.

If you don't have a Dutch oven, any large pot will do. Seriously!

This ground beef casserole recipe is such a staple. It's family friendly casserole meals at their finest. This easy casserole recipes will work to make your life easier!

The Ultimate Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef: Your New Weeknight Hero

Fancy some comfort food casserole recipe ? This Easy Tater Tot Casserole is the answer! It’s the sort of easy casserole recipes that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Seriously, this ground beef casserole is so simple, even I can't mess it up. It’s a great family friendly casserole meal too.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

Honestly, getting everything ready before you start is key. Chop that onion (one medium, yellow one, about a cup). Dice a green bell pepper (again, about a cup).

Mince two cloves of garlic. Measure out your ingredients. It sounds boring, but it saves a ton of time later.

Trust me on this. Got that easy casserole all ready? Let's start!

step-by-step to Tater Tot Bake Perfection

Okay, here's the lowdown on how to make this quick dinner casserole magic happen:

1. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. No one wants a stuck casserole!
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Brown 1 pound of ground beef . Make sure you break it up with a spoon. Drain off all the grease. Seriously, get rid of it! Soggy casserole is nobody's friend.
3. Add the chopped onion and green pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes , until they're soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. It should smell amazing!
4. Stir in a 10.75-ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup , 1/2 cup of milk , 1/2 cup of ketchup , 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce , 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning , 1/2 teaspoon of salt , and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper . Simmer for 5 minutes . Stir it now and then, until it thickens up a bit.
5. Pour the beef mixture into the greased baking dish.
6. Arrange a 32-ounce bag of frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef. Don't thaw them!
7. Bake for 35- 40 minutes , until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
8. If you want, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots during the last 5 minutes of baking. It is optional, but who says no to cheese, right?

Pro Tips for a Stellar Tater Tot Casserole

Want to take your tater tot casserole with ground beef to the next level? Here's the inside scoop: For extra crispy tater tots, try broiling it for the last 2- 3 minutes .

Keep a really close eye on it, though. Burning is a disaster. Also, don't overcrowd the pan when browning the beef.

It needs space to actually brown, not steam. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Honestly, this Tater Tot Casserole is a total winner. It's easy, it's delicious, and it's always a crowd pleaser. So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking!

Recipe Notes for Your Tater Tot Casserole with Ground

Alright, so you're ready to whip up this banging Tater Tot Casserole ? Awesome! Before you dive in, let's chat about a few bits and bobs to make sure it's a total success.

This ground beef casserole is proper easy, but a few tips never hurt anyone, right? Honestly, making this easy tater tot casserole has become my go-to when I need a quick and easy casserole that the whole family will actually eat.

It’s proper comfort food casserole recipe , innit?

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Okay, so presentation matters. Even with a Tater Tot bake ! Firstly, let it cool a bit. Trust me on this one.

Then, a nice dollop of sour cream is always a winner. A sprinkle of fresh chives or spring onions adds a bit of colour.

As for sides? A simple green salad cuts through the richness. Steamed broccoli works a treat too. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, some coleslaw.

I like a cold beer, personally. I find it cuts through the richness of the Family friendly casserole meals .

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Right, so you've got leftovers, lucky you! Pop the Tater Tot casserole with ground beef in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days .

Fancy freezing it? Go for it! Wrap it well in cling film and then foil. It'll be good for up to 3 months .

Reheating is simple. Just bung it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until it's piping hot. Or, microwave it if you're in a rush.

Honestly, I just nuke it.

Variations: Make it Your Own

Fancy a change? Let's spice things up! First, let's talk about dietary adaptations. Use ground turkey instead of beef if you're watching the calories.

Or, go veggie with a lentil base. To keep it gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. The ingredient swaps is so simple.

Add some seasonal veg. Corn and peas are great in summer. Root veggies like carrots and parsnips add a touch of sweetness in winter.

Nutrition Basics: Fuel for Your Body

Right, so let's get real. This Quick dinner casserole is delicious, but it's not exactly health food. Each serving's got about 450-550 calories , 25-30g of protein , 25-35g of fat , and 30-40g of carbs .

It's a good source of protein, thanks to the beef. Plus, you get some fibre from the veggies. It is quite high in sodium.

So there you have it! All you need to know for a perfect Tater Tot Casserole . Now go on, get cooking! You’ve got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make tater tot casserole with ground beef ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire tater tot casserole with ground beef, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.

Think of it like prepping your Sunday roast on Saturday saves time when you need it most!

How do I prevent my tater tot casserole from being soggy?

Soggy tater tot casserole is a bummer, isn't it? First, make sure you drain the ground beef really well after browning. Second, using frozen tater tots straight from the freezer is key don't thaw them! Finally, if you're adding extra veggies, give them a quick sauté beforehand to release excess moisture.

These steps should help keep those tots nice and crispy!

What are some fun variations I can try with my tater tot casserole?

Fancy a bit of a twist? Stir in some diced jalapeños for a kick or add a can of drained diced tomatoes for extra flavor. Some people like to swap out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken, or even add a layer of cooked bacon for an extra layer of deliciousness.

It’s your culinary canvas go wild!

How long does tater tot casserole with ground beef last in the fridge?

Leftover tater tot casserole with ground beef will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for best results, or zap it in the microwave if you're in a hurry just be aware that the tater tots might lose some of their crispiness.

No one wants to waste such a delicious dish!

Is there a healthier way to make tater tot casserole with ground beef?

You bet! Use lean ground beef or ground turkey to cut down on the fat. Load up on extra veggies like diced carrots, peas, or corn to boost the nutritional value and use a reduced fat cream of mushroom soup. You could even try using sweet potato tots for a different flavor profile and added nutrients!

Small changes can make a big difference.

Can I freeze tater tot casserole with ground beef?

Yes, you can freeze tater tot casserole. Assemble the casserole, but don't bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.

This is a great way to meal prep, especially if you're a busy bee!