Tater Tot Casserole
A classic Midwest comfort food! This hearty casserole features a savory ground beef and green bean filling, topped with crispy golden tater tots and a blanket of melted cheddar cheese. A family favorite that's easy to assemble and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
For 6 servings
7 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 2
Step 2
- a.In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 8-10 minutes. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off all excess grease.
- 3
Stir the minced garlic into the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant
- a.Reduce the heat to medium.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir until well combined and heated through. Gently fold in the thawed and drained green beans.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
- 6
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the filling is hot and bubbly
- a.Carefully remove from the oven, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots, and return to the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
- 7
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving
- a.This allows it to set, making it easier to serve.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, do not thaw the tater tots before arranging them on top.
- 2Make sure to drain the ground beef thoroughly after browning to prevent a greasy casserole.
- 3Let the casserole rest for at least 5 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes serving much cleaner.
- 4Feel free to swap green beans for other vegetables like corn, peas, or a mixed vegetable blend.
- 5For extra crispy tots, bake them on a separate sheet pan for 15 minutes while preparing the filling, then arrange them on the casserole to finish baking.
- 6This casserole freezes well. Assemble it up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 20-30 minutes to the initial bake time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Meat Swap
Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or bulk pork sausage for a different flavor profile.
Vegetable Add insVegetable Add-ins
Use an equal amount of canned or frozen corn (thawed and drained), peas, or a mixed vegetable blend instead of or in addition to the green beans.
Soup SwapSoup Swap
Replace the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or a can of cheddar cheese soup.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add a diced jalapeño along with the onion or stir in 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper with the other seasonings for some heat.
Extra CreamyExtra Creamy
For a richer, creamier filling, stir in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese or 1/2 cup of sour cream along with the condensed soup.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Protein
The ground beef provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Provides B Vitamins
Ground beef is a good source of B vitamins, particularly B12, which is crucial for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells.
Contains Essential Minerals
This dish offers minerals like iron and zinc from the beef, which support immune function and oxygen transport in the blood.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving has approximately 600-750 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the fat content of the beef and the type of cheese.