Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together seasoned ground beef, creamy vegetables, and crispy tater tots, all baked together in one satisfying casserole. It’s an easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something filling and delicious. With its combination of savory flavors and crispy textures, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food. The crispy tater tots on top provide the perfect crunch, while the ground beef mixture is rich and savory. It’s simple to prepare, requires just a few pantry staples, and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or seasonings. Plus, it’s an all-in-one meal that makes cleanup easy—what’s not to love? Whether you’re serving it for dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole will be a hit!

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup frozen peas (or mixed vegetables)
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned and fully cooked, drain any excess fat.
Add the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
Make the Sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
Add the Peas: Stir in the frozen peas (or any other mixed vegetables you prefer). Remove the skillet from the heat.
Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish.
Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture, covering the entire surface.
Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Add the Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this delicious, comforting meal!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 6 servings and takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time and 35-40 minutes of baking time, making it a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with lentils, black beans, or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version of this casserole.
Spicy Version: Add a dash of hot sauce, chili flakes, or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
Different Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like corn, green beans, or mushrooms. You can also use fresh vegetables instead of frozen peas.
Cheese Variations: Try different types of cheese such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Creamy Version: Swap the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade creamy sauce or add some sour cream to the beef mixture for extra creaminess.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold from the fridge.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

While tater tots are best for this dish due to their crispy texture, you can use fresh potatoes. Slice them thinly, and layer them on top of the casserole. You may need to bake for a bit longer to ensure they cook through.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or instead of beef. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Can I add cheese to the beef mixture?

Yes, you can mix in some cheese with the beef and vegetable mixture before baking, or simply add it on top at the end for a cheesy topping.

Can I freeze Tater Tot Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake according to the recipe instructions.

Conclusion

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for busy nights or casual family dinners. With its savory beef, creamy vegetables, and crispy tater tots, it’s a meal that everyone will love. Easy to make, customizable, and totally satisfying, this casserole will quickly become a regular in your meal rotation. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful dish with your family tonight!