Description
This Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and delicious layered dish featuring crispy tater tots, melted cheddar cheese, and a creamy mixture of browned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and savory mushroom soup. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknight family dinners, it combines textures and flavors that are sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
Toppings
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 (24 ounce) package frozen tater tots (3 cups), not thawed
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Brown the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 1 minute. Add the ground beef and cook until evenly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Use a spatula to break the beef into small pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and chopped garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 2 minutes until the onion softens and becomes tender.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture evenly into a 3-quart oval or round baking dish, or a 9×13-inch casserole dish. If using an oven-safe skillet, you can skip this transfer and bake directly in the skillet.
- Add Creamy Layer: Pour the condensed cream of mushroom soup evenly over the beef mixture, spreading it gently to cover the surface.
- Add Cheese and Tater Tots: Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the soup. Finally, arrange the frozen tater tots symmetrically and evenly on top of the cheese layer.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown, the cheese is fully melted, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to set before serving warm.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to streamline preparation and reduce cleanup by baking in the same pan used for cooking.
- You can substitute frozen mixed vegetables with fresh vegetables if preferred, just sauté them longer until tender.
- For a sharper flavor, try mixing in some smoked cheddar or a blend of cheeses.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispness.
- This casserole can be made ahead by assembling everything except the tater tots and cheese, then adding those before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
