The Ultimate Comfort Food: A Deep Dive into Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
This classic Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Savory ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, melted cheddar, and crispy tater tots come together to make a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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½ cup sour cream
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
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1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite spices
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add diced onion and cook until softened. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices. Drain excess fat.
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Mix with Sauce: Stir in cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Cook 2–3 minutes until heated through.
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Layer Casserole: Grease a casserole dish and spread beef mixture evenly on the bottom.
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Add Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
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Add Tater Tots: Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
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Bake: Bake 25–30 minutes until tater tots are golden and crispy.
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Final Cheese Layer: Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese, and bake an additional 5 minutes until melted and bubbly.
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Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
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For extra flavor, sauté mushrooms with the onions before adding beef.
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Add chopped green peppers or corn to the beef mixture for more veggies.
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Use spicy cheddar or sprinkle paprika over tater tots for a smoky kick.
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Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.