Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate cozy dinner. With a savory beef base, creamy sauce, and golden crispy tater tots topped with gooey cheddar, it’s a meal that satisfies all ages. Quick to prep, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable, it’s perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until onion is translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Reduce heat and stir in cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
5. Spread beef mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar over the beef layer.
7. Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
8. Add sliced jalapeños on top if using.
9. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until tater tots are golden and cheese is bubbly.
10. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar over the top and return to the oven for 5 minutes.
11. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra crispiness, broil the top for the final 2–3 minutes of baking.
Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation.
Want a veggie boost? Stir in thawed peas or green beans with the beef mixture before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg