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- 1 pound ground beef - 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese For this dish, the main ingredients make it rich and hearty. Ground beef adds protein and flavor. The cream of mushroom soup gives it a creamy texture. Dried thyme adds a hint of earthiness. You can use frozen tater tots for convenience. They also create a crispy topping that contrasts nicely with the creamy filling. For added depth, Worcestershire sauce brings a savory touch. Season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. If you want extra color and nutrients, add frozen mixed vegetables. They blend well with the beef. Shredded cheddar cheese is a great option if you like a cheesy bite. It melts beautifully and adds richness. You can mix and match these ingredients to suit your taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - In a large skillet, add 1 pound of ground beef. Sauté until it turns brown. Drain any excess fat. - Add 1 small chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook until the onion is soft and clear, about 3-4 minutes. - Stir in 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, and 1/2 cup of beef broth. Add 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well and let it simmer for 5 minutes. - Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. - Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture. - Arrange 1 bag of frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. Cover the entire dish. - Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for the tater tots to be golden and crispy. - Remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before you serve it. - Browning the beef properly: Start by heating your skillet on medium-high. Add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula. Cook until it’s brown all over. This step gives your casserole a rich flavor. - Timing for perfect tater tots: Place the frozen tater tots on top just before baking. They need about 25-30 minutes to crisp up. Check them around the 20-minute mark for that golden color. - Suggestions for seasoning adjustments: Feel free to add more Worcestershire sauce for extra depth. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. This will give your dish a nice kick. - Herbs for added taste: Fresh or dried herbs can elevate your dish. Try adding rosemary or parsley for a fresh twist. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning can also add great flavor. - Garnishing ideas: After baking, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. This adds color and freshness. You can also use green onions for a bit of crunch. - Serving suggestions with sides: Pair your casserole with a crisp side salad. A simple mix of greens with a light vinaigrette works well. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a hearty meal. Pro Tips Brown the Meat Well: Make sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly to enhance the flavor of the dish. This step adds depth and richness to the casserole. Use Fresh Vegetables: For added nutrition and flavor, consider using fresh vegetables instead of frozen. You can sauté them briefly before adding to the casserole. Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a unique twist on the flavor profile. Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes serving easier while enhancing the overall flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily switch out the ground beef for other proteins. Ground turkey or chicken works well too. These options lower the fat but keep the flavor. If you want a meatless dish, try crumbled tofu or lentils. They absorb flavors and add good texture. Cheese is key to this dish. You can use mozzarella, pepper jack, or even gouda. Each cheese brings a new taste. For more depth, add spices like paprika or cayenne. They give your casserole a nice kick. Just sprinkle a little in while mixing. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free tater tots. They taste just as good! You can also swap the cream of mushroom soup for a gluten-free version. For low-carb diets, skip the tater tots and use cauliflower rice instead. It’s a great way to keep it hearty without the carbs. To store your Tater Tot Beef Casserole, use an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can also cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Leftovers stay good for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. When reheating, the best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes. This helps avoid sogginess. You can also microwave it, but it may lose some crispiness. To freeze your casserole, let it cool completely first. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This will help prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months frozen. For thawing, place it in the fridge overnight. Bake it straight from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 50-60 minutes. Just make sure it's hot all the way through before serving. You can check if the casserole is done by looking at the tater tots. They should be golden brown and crispy. Also, the beef mixture should be bubbly and hot. If you poke a fork into the casserole, it should feel firm, not mushy. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Cook the beef and mix in the other ingredients, but don’t add the tater tots yet. Cover the dish and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add the tater tots and cook as directed. This saves time during busy days. This casserole goes well with many sides. A crisp side salad adds freshness and color. You can also serve steamed broccoli or green beans for a healthy touch. If you like bread, warm garlic bread pairs nicely, too. These sides bring balance and make the meal more complete. You learned how to make a tasty Tater Tot Beef Casserole. We covered the key ingredients, like beef, tater tots, and soup. I shared tips for cooking the filling and perfect timing for tater tots. You can customize the dish with different proteins and flavors. Store leftovers correctly for freshness. Use the reheating tips to avoid sogginess. This dish is easy and fun, making it great for any meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this simple, satisfying recipe!

Tater Tot Beef Casserole

A hearty and comforting casserole featuring ground beef, mixed vegetables, and crispy tater tots.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
  • 0.5 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and sauté until browned. Drain excess fat.
  • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
  • Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, covering it completely.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve the casserole hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Consider pairing it with a crisp side salad for added freshness.
Keyword beef, casserole, comfort food, tater tots