Looking for a quick and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love? This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food, packed with layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy vegetables, and crispy tater tots. It’s an easy, hearty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend meal. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner on the table in no time. Keep reading for the full recipe, substitutions, tips, and more!

What is Tater Tot Casserole?

Tater Tot Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that’s popular in many households. It typically consists of a base layer of seasoned ground beef, a creamy sauce with vegetables (often using condensed soup), and a topping of crispy, golden tater tots. The casserole is baked until the tots are crispy and the filling is bubbly and warm. This dish is perfect for feeding a family or a group and is extremely easy to make with simple ingredients. It’s also highly customizable, allowing you to add different vegetables or proteins based on your preferences.

Ingredients List for Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

To make this delicious casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 pound ground beef: Lean or regular ground beef will work. Be sure to drain any excess grease after browning.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: This adds creaminess and helps bind the casserole together. You can also use cream of chicken or cream of celery.
1 can (15 oz) mixed vegetables or 1½ cups frozen vegetables: Choose your favorite blend of vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans, etc.).
1 small onion: Finely chopped for added flavor.
2 cloves garlic: Minced for extra depth of flavor.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar works well. You can also use a different cheese if you prefer.
1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots: The star of the dish, crispy and golden when baked.
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, umami boost to the ground beef.
Salt and black pepper: To taste.
½ teaspoon paprika: Optional, for extra flavor and color.
Chopped fresh parsley: Optional, for garnish.

Substitutions and Variations

Tater Tot Casserole is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:

Ground turkey or chicken: For a leaner option, you can replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. The flavors will still be delicious!
Vegetarian option: Skip the ground beef and use plant-based ground meat or add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils for a vegetarian version.
Different soups: You can experiment with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup instead of cream of mushroom. You can also make your own white sauce if you prefer to avoid canned soups.
Add bacon: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon on top of the beef mixture before layering the tater tots for an extra flavor boost.
Cheese variety: While cheddar is classic, try using pepper jack for a little spice or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
Spicy twist: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture if you want to spice things up.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this easy and delicious Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Season the beef: Once the beef is fully cooked, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
Mix the creamy filling: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with the drained mixed vegetables (or frozen vegetables if using). Stir in half of the shredded cheese and the cooked ground beef mixture. Mix everything together until well combined.
Assemble the casserole: Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Top with tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top of the beef mixture, covering the entire surface. You can line them up neatly or just scatter them for a more rustic look.
Add cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not draining the beef: After browning the ground beef, it’s important to drain any excess grease. Otherwise, the casserole could turn out greasy.
Undercooking the tater tots: Make sure the tater tots are fully cooked and crispy on top. If needed, you can switch on the broiler for the last few minutes of baking to achieve that extra crispiness.
Forgetting to season the beef: The ground beef mixture should be seasoned well to bring out the best flavors. Don’t skip the salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce!

Serving and Presentation Tips

Make your Tater Tot Casserole even more appealing with these simple presentation ideas:

Add a fresh garnish: Top the finished casserole with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve with a salad: Pair this hearty casserole with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
Include extra toppings: Offer additional toppings like sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce on the side to let everyone customize their serving.

How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Serve hot: This casserole is best served piping hot, straight from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before scooping out portions to allow the layers to settle.
Pair with sides: While this casserole is a complete meal on its own, you can serve it alongside roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even garlic bread.
Perfect for potlucks: This casserole is great for potlucks or family gatherings. It’s easy to transport and can be reheated easily if needed.

Recipe Tips for Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or busy weeknights. If baking from the fridge, add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
Freezing instructions: This casserole freezes beautifully! To freeze, assemble the casserole as directed but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed when ready to serve.
Storing leftovers: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned or frozen?
Yes! You can use fresh vegetables like diced carrots, peas, or green beans. Just steam or sauté them briefly before adding them to the casserole to ensure they cook through.

Can I use homemade soup instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer to avoid canned soup, you can make a homemade version of cream of mushroom soup or use a béchamel sauce (white sauce) as a substitute.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free condensed soup and make sure your tater tots are also gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How do I make the tater tots extra crispy?
For extra crispy tater tots, you can broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time. Just be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Conclusion

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its layers of savory ground beef, creamy vegetables, and crispy tater tots, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s simple to make, versatile, and ideal for meal prepping or serving at a potluck. Try it out for dinner tonight and enjoy a satisfying, comforting meal!