Craving a mouthwatering meal that combines the hearty flavors of ground beef, cheesy goodness, and crispy tater tots all in one pot? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner routine with this mind-blowing Instant Pot casserole that's about to become your new family favorite! In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds - no complicated cooking skills required!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your Instant Pot by lightly greasing the inner pot with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add diced onions to the ground beef and sauté until the onions become translucent and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season the beef and onion mixture with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to combine thoroughly.
- Transfer the beef and onion mixture to the prepared Instant Pot inner pot.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables and cream of mushroom soup to the pot, stirring gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture, creating an even layer.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" setting.
- Cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes, depending on desired doneness and your specific Instant Pot model.
- Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release of remaining pressure.
- Carefully remove the lid, and let the casserole sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to set and the dish to cool slightly.
- Serve hot, scooping portions that include the tater tot topping, beef mixture, and vegetables.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider using ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20) to enhance the richness of the dish.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the beef to prevent a greasy final result.
- Use fresh, high-quality frozen mixed vegetables for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't overmix the ingredients - gently layer them to maintain distinct textures.
- If you prefer crispier tater tots, consider a quick broil for 2-3 minutes after cooking to achieve a golden-brown top.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld together.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile - feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or add additional seasonings to suit your taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 75mg
