Description
This Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing classic loaded with layers of savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, green beans, gooey cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots. It comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight dinner anyone can pull off, making it the ultimate cozy meal.
Ingredients
Beef Layer
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Casserole Layers
- 15 oz can green beans, drained
- 10.75 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Prep Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8 or 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside so everything’s ready for assembly.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess fat for a leaner casserole base.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add diced onions to the skillet with the beef and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Season: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good mix for maximum flavor.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spoon the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spread condensed cream of mushroom soup over the beef layer, smoothing it out. Sprinkle the drained green beans over the soup, lightly seasoning this layer with salt and pepper. Next, add a generous layer of cheddar cheese.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly on top of the cheese to cover the entire surface.
- Bake: Transfer the casserole to the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting tater tot casserole!
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of paprika or garlic powder to the tater tot layer before baking.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- If desired, add some frozen mixed veggies along with or in place of the green beans.
- This casserole reheats well and can be made ahead for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 859 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 91 mg
