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A close-up shot of a golden-brown Tater Tot Casserole fresh from the oven. The cheesy ground beef casserole is bubbling underneath.

Tater Tot Casserole (The Only Recipe You'll Ever Need)

This classic Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Featuring a savory ground beef filling, creamy vegetables, and a crispy, cheesy tater tot topping, it's an easy and delicious meal the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef 85/15 recommended
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
  • 1.5 cups frozen mixed vegetables such as corn and green beans
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
  • 32 oz frozen tater tots

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • 1 Large Skillet

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion has softened. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  4. Gently fold in the frozen mixed vegetables and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  6. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top of the filling.
  7. Bake, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes, until the filling is hot and bubbly.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots and return to the oven. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Notes

Crispy Tots Tip: For extra crispy tater tots, you can broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole without the tater tots up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Add tots just before baking and add 10 minutes to the initial bake time.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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