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- 1 lb ground beef - 1 small onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup - 1/2 cup milk - 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese When I make my Tater Tot Beef Casserole, I always start with the main ingredients. Ground beef is the heart of this dish. I use one pound, which gives a rich, meaty flavor. Next, I add a small onion, finely diced. The onion adds sweetness and depth. Two cloves of minced garlic give it a lovely aroma. The additional ingredients are just as important. I love to toss in a cup of frozen mixed vegetables. This adds color and nutrition. A can of cream of mushroom soup makes the casserole creamy. I mix this with half a cup of milk for a smooth texture. Seasonings bring everything together. Worcestershire sauce adds a savory kick. I use onion and garlic powder for extra flavor. Salt and pepper are key to taste. Lastly, I can't forget the star of this dish: the tater tots. A 32-ounce bag covers the top perfectly. They crisp up nicely as they bake. I finish it off with a cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. This melts and adds a delicious finish. With these ingredients, you create a warm, hearty meal. Perfect for sharing with family or friends. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). - Prepare a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. - In a large skillet, add 1 lb ground beef. - Brown the beef with 1 small onion and 2 cloves garlic, minced. - Drain excess fat to keep it light. - Stir in 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, and 1/2 cup milk. - Add 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper. - Let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes. - Transfer the beef and veggie mixture to your baking dish. - Spread it out evenly. - Layer 1 bag frozen tater tots on top. - Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown. - Remove the casserole and sprinkle 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top. - Return it to the oven for 5 more minutes, until the cheese melts. - Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. - How to avoid greasy casseroles: To keep your casserole from being greasy, drain the fat after cooking the ground beef. This step helps keep the dish light and tasty. Use a colander or tilt the skillet carefully to let the fat drain away. - Perfect baking times for crispy tater tots: Bake your casserole at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes. This temperature and time create a golden, crispy top. Check the tater tots often to avoid overcooking them. - Recommended sides to accompany the casserole: A crisp green salad pairs well with this dish. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the casserole. You can also serve it with steamed broccoli or green beans for extra veggies. - Garnishing ideas for presentation: For a pop of color, sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top before serving. This simple touch makes your dish look more appealing and adds a fresh taste. - Solutions for undercooked tater tots: If your tater tots are not cooked through, cover the casserole with foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. This step helps heat the inside without over-browning the top. - Adjusting for personal taste preferences: If you want more flavor, try adding extra Worcestershire sauce or spices. You can also use different cheeses to change the flavor profile. Experiment to find what you like best! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Beef: Ensure your ground beef is fully browned before adding other ingredients. This not only enhances the flavor but also prevents a greasy casserole. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the mixed vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Fresh or frozen vegetables both work well! Extra Crispy Tater Tots: For an even crispier topping, bake the tater tots separately for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole. Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor twist. Pepper jack or mozzarella can add a nice kick or creaminess to the dish. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the meat in this dish. Ground turkey or chicken works great. Both give a lighter flavor while still being tasty. You can also swap out veggies. Try bell peppers or broccoli instead of mixed vegetables. You can add extras like diced tomatoes or corn for more color and taste. Each swap can change the dish while keeping it simple. If you need a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free soup and tater tots. Many brands offer these options, so check the labels. For a vegetarian take, use lentils or black beans in place of the beef. You can also add more beans or mushrooms. These swaps keep the dish hearty while making it meat-free. To boost flavor, add spices like paprika or cayenne pepper. A splash of hot sauce can also wake up the taste. Different cheese types work well, too. Try using pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder taste. Mixing cheeses can create a rich, creamy topping. Experiment with what you like for a fun twist! To keep your Tater Tot Beef Casserole fresh, store it in airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well for this. Make sure to let the casserole cool before sealing it. This step helps prevent moisture build-up. The leftovers can last in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, avoid the microwave if you can. It can make the tater tots soggy. Instead, use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a covered dish. Heat it for about 20-25 minutes. Check if it’s warmed through. The tater tots should stay crispy this way. Yes, you can freeze Tater Tot Beef Casserole! First, cool the dish completely. Then, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. This keeps air out. It’s best to eat it within three months for the best taste. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. You can bake it straight from the freezer, but it will take longer. Adjust your cooking time to about 45-60 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Tater Tot Beef Casserole lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty for your next meal. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating leftovers. Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Cook the beef and mix in the other ingredients. Then, place it in the fridge without the tater tots. When ready to bake, add the tater tots on top and bake as directed. This can save you time on busy days. You can serve a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli with this casserole. These sides balance the richness of the dish. You can also add garlic bread for a fun twist. Each option pairs well with the hearty flavors of the casserole. Yes, Tater Tot Beef Casserole is freezable. To freeze, cool the casserole completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through. In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious Tater Tot Beef Casserole. We covered the key ingredients, detailed step-by-step instructions, and offered tips for perfect results. You can personalize this dish with different meats or veggies, making it versatile. As you prepare, remember to keep an eye on your baking times for the perfect crispy tots. This comforting meal is great for family dinners or leftovers. Try it out and enjoy the fun of cooking this tasty casserole!

Beefy Tater Tot Delight Casserole

A hearty casserole featuring ground beef, mixed vegetables, and crispy tater tots topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked pepper
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook while breaking it apart, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  • Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly and let simmer for about 5 minutes on low heat.
  • Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with parsley or chives. Pairs well with a green salad.
Keyword beef, casserole, comfort food, tater tots