Save A comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole layered with savory ground beef, creamy sauce, cheese, and crispy tater tots—perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
This casserole has been a family favorite for years and always brings everyone to the table with smiles.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85% lean recommended)
- Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Frozen peas and carrots: 1 cup (150 g)
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g)
- Whole milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 2 cups (200 g), divided
- Worcestershire sauce: 1/2 tsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Frozen tater tots: 1 bag (32 oz / 900 g)
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook ground beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Cook onion and garlic:
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook peas and carrots:
- Stir in frozen peas and carrots. Cook for 2 more minutes.
- Add soup and seasonings:
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, 1 cup (100 g) cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Assemble casserole:
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Add cheese topping:
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup (50 g) cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
- Add tater tots:
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 35 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup (50 g) cheddar cheese over the tater tots, and bake for another 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and tots are golden brown.
- Rest and serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Save This dish brings everyone together around the dinner table and often sparks warm memories of family meals shared.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or swap in ground turkey for a lighter version. Substitute cream of chicken soup if desired. Serve with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Required Tools
Large skillet, 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, mixing spoon, measuring cups and spoons, oven
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 480, Total Fat 28 g, Carbohydrates 35 g, Protein 20 g
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This tater tot casserole is a simple, satisfying meal perfect for any family night.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter alternative while maintaining flavor and texture.
- → What cheese works best for this dish?
Sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the creamy sauce and crispy topping well.
- → How do I ensure tater tots stay crispy?
Bake uncovered in a hot oven and add extra cheese on top during the final bake to create a golden, crisp layer.
- → Can frozen vegetables be used?
Frozen peas and carrots are perfect as they soften nicely during cooking without adding extra moisture.
- → Is there a way to enhance the flavor?
Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or Worcestershire sauce boosts the savory depth of the dish.