Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner into a crowd-pleasing sensation with the ultimate comfort food that'll have everyone begging for seconds! Our Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is the magical one-dish wonder that combines crispy potato goodness, savory ground beef, and melted cheese into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or looking for the perfect potluck dish, this recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Prepare to be the kitchen hero with this irresistible, budget-friendly casserole that screams pure deliciousness!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag tater tots
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This will help to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Add the can of cream of mushroom soup and the milk to the cooked ground beef in the skillet. Stir well to combine, ensuring that the beef is evenly coated with the soup mixture.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir again to incorporate the seasonings into the mixture.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread the beef and soup mixture evenly across the bottom. This will serve as the base layer of your casserole.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture. This will add a delicious cheesy flavor to the casserole.
- Evenly distribute the tater tots on top of the cheese layer. Make sure to cover the entire surface for a crispy topping.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help it set slightly and make it easier to scoop.
- Serve warm, and enjoy your Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef!
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 from the ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole. Use a colander or carefully tilt the pan to remove surplus oil.
- Feel free to customize the cheese! While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with monterey jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles.
- To achieve perfectly crispy tater tots, ensure they're arranged in a single layer and not overcrowded in the baking dish.
- For a healthier twist, you can substitute cream of mushroom soup with a homemade white sauce or a lower-sodium alternative.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow it to set, making it easier to serve and preventing burns.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 396kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 21g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
