Description
This hearty Tater Tots Casserole features a comforting layer of seasoned ground beef cooked with onions, creamy mushroom soup, and sour cream, all topped with crispy golden tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family-friendly meal that’s ready in about 40 minutes, this casserole combines simple ingredients into a delicious, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Produce
- 1 small onion, chopped
Pantry
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat to ensure even baking for the casserole.
- Brown the beef and onions: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion until the beef is fully browned and the onions have softened. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat to prevent greasiness in the casserole.
- Mix the creamy base: Stir the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream into the browned beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, blending until well combined and creamy.
- Prepare the casserole base: Transfer this beef mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out as the bottom layer of your casserole.
- Add the tater tot layer: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture, covering the entire surface.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots to create a cheesy crust once baked.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the casserole is hot and bubbly throughout.
Notes
- For an extra cheesy topping, add more shredded cheddar or mix in some mozzarella before baking.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or corn to the beef mixture for added nutrition and color.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup if preferred.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
- To make it spicier, add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
