Comforting Midwest Tater Tot Casserole (Printable View)
A hearty Midwest favorite with seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, vegetables, and crispy golden tater tot topping.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cups frozen corn kernels
04 - 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
→ Sauces & Dairy
05 - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
06 - 1/2 cup whole milk
07 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
→ Pantry & Seasonings
08 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
09 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
10 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
11 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
→ Topping
12 - 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
03 - Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
04 - Add the cream of mushroom soup and milk to the skillet. Mix until combined, then stir in corn and peas (if using).
05 - Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
06 - Arrange tater tots in a single, even layer over the casserole.
07 - Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
08 - Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Its the kind of meal that makes everyone gather around the oven door, watching and waiting
- The crispy tater tots against creamy beef filling hits every comfort button
- You can throw it together in fifteen minutes and forget about it while the oven works its magic
02 -
- The tater tots must go into the dish straight from the freezer, never thawed
- Draining the excess beef fat prevents the casserole from becoming greasy while baking
- That five minute rest period is not optional or the filling will slide apart when you serve it
03 -
- Use a slotted spoon when transferring the beef mixture to drain any remaining liquid
- Arrange tots close together so they steam less and crisp more while baking
- For extra cheesy goodness, add another half cup of cheddar during the last ten minutes of baking