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Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is the definition of comfort food. It’s the dish you bring to potlucks, the one your kids cheer for, and the one that disappears before you can go back for seconds (true story in my house last week)
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Total Time 43 minutes
Servings: 5
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef – the hearty base
  • 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup – creamy richness
  • 1/2 cup sour cream – makes it velvety
  • 1 small onion diced – adds flavor depth
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided – melty, sharp goodness
  • 1 bag 32 oz frozen tater tots – the crispy crown
  • Salt and pepper – to taste
  • Optional spices – garlic powder paprika, or your favorites

Method
 

Preheat Your Oven
  1. Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it's ready when you are.
Cook the Beef
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your 1 lb ground beef.
Add the diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent.
  1. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices like garlic powder or paprika.
  2. Drain the fat once cooked.
Mix In the Sauce
  1. Add the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream to the beef mixture.
  2. Stir it all together and cook for 2–3 minutes until creamy and heated through.
Build the Casserole
  1. Grease a casserole dish (9x13 is perfect).
  2. Spread the beef and mushroom mixture evenly in the bottom.
  3. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef layer.
Top with Tater Tots
  1. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
  2. Make sure they’re nice and even so they get extra crispy.
Bake It
  1. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
  2. This is when the magic happens—everything melts together perfectly.
More Cheese, Please
  1. Take it out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
  2. Bake for another 5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cool and Serve
  1. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes so it sets up a bit.
Then dig in!

    Notes

    Tips & Tasty Add-Ons

    • Add Worcestershire sauce to the beef for extra flavor.
    • Top with green onions or parsley for a pop of freshness.
    • Serve with salad or steamed veggies to round out your meal.
    • Leftovers? Pop them in the oven or microwave—they reheat like a dream.