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Comforting Loaded Tater Tot Casserole Recipe with Ground Beef and Cheddar Made Easy

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A hearty and satisfying casserole featuring crispy tater tots layered over a cheesy, savory ground beef mixture, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 32 oz frozen tater tots
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 1 tbsp butter or oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart. Cook 8–10 minutes until no pink remains. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Drain excess fat but keep browned bits.
  4. In a mixing bowl, stir together condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Fold in frozen mixed vegetables if desired.
  5. Pour the soup mixture into the skillet with beef. Stir and heat through for 2–3 minutes until thick and saucy.
  6. Transfer beef mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
  7. Arrange frozen tater tots evenly on top in a single layer.
  8. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until tots are golden and cheese is bubbling.
  9. About 5 minutes before done, sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the tots and return to oven to melt.
  10. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If tots brown too quickly before casserole is heated through, cover loosely with foil and continue baking. For extra smoky flavor, add smoked paprika or chili powder to beef mixture. Let casserole rest after baking for easier serving. To keep tots crispy when reheating leftovers, re-crisp under broiler briefly.

Nutrition

Keywords: tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, comfort food, cheesy casserole, easy dinner, weeknight meal, loaded tater tots

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/comforting-loaded-tater-tot-casserole-recipe-with-ground-beef-and-cheddar-made-easy/