Creamy Beef Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
This creamy beef tater tot casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef, a rich creamy sauce, and crispy golden tater tots. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and endlessly customizable.
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Baking dish (9x13 inches recommended)
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Oven
Ingredients
(Exact amounts can be adjusted based on preference and servings)
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or homemade cream sauce)
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, frozen peas (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and heated through.
- Transfer the beef mixture evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbly.
- If desired, sprinkle remaining cheese over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if you like.
Notes
- For a lighter version, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free cream soup or a homemade sauce.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream before baking.
- To keep tater tots crispy when reheating leftovers, reheat in the oven instead of the microwave.
- This recipe freezes well—freeze before baking or freeze leftovers in airtight containers.