Description
Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s quick to prep, easy to customize, and absolutely crowd-pleasing? This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is your go-to answer for busy weeknights and cozy dinner ideas. A golden, crispy layer of tater tots sits atop a savory blend of seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and creamy mushroom sauce. It’s the kind of easy dinner that wins over picky eaters and works great for meal prep or potlucks. Whether you’re looking for quick breakfasts, easy dinner recipes, or classic food ideas, this one-pan wonder fits the bill for almost any occasion.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
3 cups frozen tater tots
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 small onion, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned.
3. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
5. Mix in the cream of mushroom soup and optional mixed vegetables; heat through.
6. Spread beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
7. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
8. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer across the top.
9. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until tots are crispy and golden.
10. Add a little more cheese in the last 5 minutes for extra melty topping.
11. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving; garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Use sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder flavor that cuts through the richness.
For a leaner version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
To make ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 75mg