Craving a comfort food classic that'll have your family racing to the dinner table? Get ready to discover the ultimate crowd-pleasing Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece! This American-style dish is the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy goodness that will make even the pickiest eaters ask for seconds. Imagine a bubbling, golden-brown casserole packed with seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and irresistibly crunchy tater tots - it's like a warm hug on a plate that promises to become your new go-to weeknight dinner sensation!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and has developed a nice golden color, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef using a colander to remove unnecessary grease.
- Return the beef to the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cream of mushroom soup and milk to the beef, stirring until well combined and creating a creamy mixture.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
- Serve hot, portioning out approximately 1-2 cups per serving.
Tips
- To elevate your Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole from good to absolutely incredible, keep these pro tips in mind:
- For extra flavor, consider adding diced onions or minced garlic when browning the ground beef.
- Use high-quality, thick-cut frozen tater tots for maximum crispiness.
- Drain the ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole.
- For a more indulgent version, mix in some crispy bacon bits or use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- If you prefer a lighter version, opt for lean ground beef and low-fat cream of mushroom soup.
- For a complete meal, serve with a side of fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
