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Kid-Approved Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

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A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring crispy tater tots, creamy ground beef filling, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy families and picky eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (85/15)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in cream of mushroom soup and milk until well combined. Add frozen mixed vegetables, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Pour the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread into an even layer.
  6. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture.
  7. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until tots are golden and crispy and filling is bubbly.
  8. Remove from oven, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. For browned cheese, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
  9. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, use frozen tater tots straight from the bag—do not thaw. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set. If using leaner ground beef (93/7), add 1 tablespoon olive oil when browning. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free tater tots. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to crisp the tots.

Nutrition

Keywords: tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole, kid-friendly dinner, easy weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/kid-approved-cheesy-tater-tot-casserole-with-ground-beef-easy-recipe/