Family Favorite Tater Tot (Printable Version)

Savory ground beef layered with creamy sauce, cheese, and crispy tots for a comforting meal.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb ground beef, 85% lean

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 cup frozen peas and carrots

→ Sauces & Dairy

05 - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
06 - 1/2 cup whole milk
07 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
08 - 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Topping

10 - 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, for 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
04 - Stir in frozen peas and carrots, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
05 - Mix in condensed cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, Worcestershire sauce, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Heat through until fully combined.
06 - Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
07 - Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer.
08 - Arrange frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the cheese.
09 - Bake uncovered for 35 minutes until the tater tots begin to brown.
10 - Remove casserole, sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over tater tots, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and topping is golden brown.
11 - Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes to set before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One pot meal
  • Freezer-friendly
02 -
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or swap in ground turkey for a lighter version.
  • Substitute cream of chicken soup if desired.
03 -
  • Use 85% lean ground beef to reduce fat but keep moisture.
  • Let casserole rest before serving so it sets nicely.
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