Looking for a hearty, flavorful, and simple meal that’s sure to please the whole family? Look no further than this Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef! This classic American comfort food combines seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots all baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of meal that’s satisfying, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights.

This casserole is everything you want in a comforting dish: warm, cheesy, and absolutely delicious. It’s the perfect meal to serve when you need something easy, yet filling. Whether you’re preparing it for your family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this Tater Tot Casserole will be a crowd-pleaser.

In this article, we’ll dive into the ingredients (in grams), step-by-step instructions, nutrition facts, expert tips, and tasty variations. Ready to make your new favorite casserole? Let’s get started!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Easy & Quick – Ready in just 1 hour, including prep time.
✔️ One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup, more flavor!
✔️ Kid-Friendly – Perfect for picky eaters who love crispy tater tots and cheesy goodness.
✔️ Comforting & Filling – A rich, hearty meal that hits the spot every time.
✔️ Customizable – Add extra veggies, swap proteins, or experiment with seasonings!

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Ingredients (in grams)

For the Casserole Base:

• 500g ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• 1 small onion (100g), finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic (5g), minced
• 1 can (400g) cream of mushroom soup
• 100g sour cream
• 50g milk
• ½ teaspoon salt (2g)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (2g)
• ½ teaspoon paprika (2g)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (15g)
• 1 ½ cups (150g) shredded cheddar cheese

For the Topping:

• 850g frozen tater tots (enough to cover the casserole evenly)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
3. Drain any excess grease from the pan.

Step 2: Make the Casserole Mixture

1. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk.
2. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika and mix well.
3. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until well combined and heated through.
4. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, and cook until melted and the mixture is creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Spread the ground beef mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
3. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture, covering the entire surface.

Step 4: Bake

1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
2. If you prefer a crispier top, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it!

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

1. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious, comforting flavors of this easy casserole!

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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: 500
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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Expert Tips for the Best Tater Tot Casserole

✔️ Brown the Beef Well – Make sure the beef is browned well for maximum flavor.
✔️ Use Full-Fat Sour Cream – It adds richness and creaminess to the casserole.
✔️ Top with Extra Cheese – For an extra cheesy casserole, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top before baking.
✔️ Customize the Toppings – Add a layer of crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
✔️ Don’t Skip the Worcestershire Sauce – It adds a savory depth to the beef mixture.

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Delicious Variations

🥓 Bacon Tater Tot Casserole – Stir in crispy bacon bits into the beef mixture or sprinkle on top before baking.
🍄 Mushroom Lovers’ Version – Sauté mushrooms and add them to the beef mixture for extra earthy flavor.
🌶️ Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
🧀 Three-Cheese Casserole – Mix in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a more indulgent cheese flavor.
🥔 Loaded Potato Version – Add bacon, green onions, and extra cheese for a loaded potato version.

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What to Serve with Tater Tot Casserole

🥗 Green Salad – A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
🍞 Garlic Bread – Perfect for sopping up any extra creamy sauce.
🥒 Pickled Vegetables – Add some tangy, crunchy pickles to contrast the richness.
🍷 Red Wine – A dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs well with the hearty flavors.

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Final Thoughts

This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious. The crispy tater tots on top, paired with the creamy, savory ground beef filling, create a dish that will quickly become a family favorite.

It’s the perfect meal for busy nights, weekend gatherings, or even a potluck with friends. Satisfying, hearty, and super tasty, this casserole has all the makings of a classic!