Comforting Midwest Tater Tot Casserole (Printable Version)
Hearty ground beef and vegetables in creamy sauce topped with crispy golden tater tots
# What You 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 Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until beef is browned and onion is softened, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
03 - Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the beef mixture. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
04 - Pour the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk into the skillet. Stir until fully combined and the mixture forms a uniform sauce. Add frozen corn and frozen peas if using, and mix well.
05 - Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
06 - Place frozen tater tots in a single, even layer across the entire surface of the casserole. Arrange them close together for maximum coverage.
07 - Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the edges are bubbling.
08 - Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The crispy tots on top contrast perfectly with the creamy beef filling underneath
- It feeds a crowd and everyone actually gets excited about leftovers the next day
02 -
- Draining the beef fat thoroughly prevents that greasy pool that sometimes forms on top
- Letting it rest those five minutes seems pointless but your servings will look much better
03 -
- Space the tots slightly apart rather than crowding them for maximum crispiness
- Leftovers reheat surprisingly well in the microwave or oven