Family Favorite Tater Tot (Printable Version)

Savory ground beef and creamy sauce layered with melted cheddar and crispy tater tots for a hearty meal.

# What You'll 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 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Topping

11 - 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 the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
04 - Stir in frozen peas and carrots and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
05 - Mix in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, Worcestershire sauce, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully combined and heated through.
06 - Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle with 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
07 - Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese-covered mixture.
08 - Bake uncovered for 35 minutes until the tots begin to brown.
09 - Remove from oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the tater tots, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and topping is golden brown.
10 - Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Comforting and hearty
  • Easy to prepare for busy weeknights
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 -
  • Brown the beef thoroughly to enhance flavor
  • Let the casserole rest before serving for best texture
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