Description
This Quick Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, sweet corn, and crispy tater tots topped with melted cheddar cheese, this casserole delivers hearty flavors with minimal prep and cooking time.
Ingredients
Scale
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Casserole Components
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (about 10.5 oz)
- 1 can corn, drained (about 15 oz)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag frozen tater tots (about 32 oz)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Combine Casserole Ingredients: Lower the heat and stir in the cream of mushroom soup and drained corn into the ground beef mixture. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly and heat through for 2-3 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken for different flavor variations.
- For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture.
- Ensure tater tots are arranged in a single layer for even crispiness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- To make this dish lower in sodium, use low-sodium soup and drain the canned corn thoroughly.
Keywords: ground beef casserole, tater tot casserole, quick dinner recipes, easy casseroles, comfort food