When it comes to nostalgic, family-friendly meals, few dishes compete with the hearty magic of a Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef. This easy, satisfying bake is a staple in homes across America—and for good reason. It's crunchy, creamy, savory, and it brings people to the table with smiles and hungry forks.

Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck hit, this casserole delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. It’s comfort food with a crispy, golden crown—and it’s ridiculously easy to customize.

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6)

Everything you need for that perfect bite: creamy, meaty, cheesy, and crispy.

• Ground beef (80/20) – 500g
• Onion – 1 medium (100g), finely chopped
• Garlic – 2 cloves (8g), minced
• Frozen tater tots – 800g
• Cream of mushroom soup – 1 can (300g)
• Whole milk – 120ml
• Shredded cheddar cheese – 200g
• Worcestershire sauce – 1 tablespoon (15ml)
• Salt – 1 teaspoon (5g)
• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon (2g)
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon (15ml)

Optional Add-ins:

• Frozen peas or green beans – 150g
• Paprika or chili flakes – for extra kick
• Sour cream – 2 tablespoon (30g) for a richer base

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🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft (about 3 minutes).
3. Stir in garlic, then add the ground beef.
4. Cook until browned and crumbled (6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
6. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Add sour cream here if using.
7. Mix in veggies if you’re adding any (like peas or green beans).
8. Simmer on low for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Pour the beef mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
2. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese on top of the meat.
3. Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the entire surface.
4. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the tots.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy, Golden Perfection

Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 5: Serve

Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream for flair.

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🔢 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 510 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Sugar: 2g

Adjust for lightened-up or keto versions by using lower-fat cheese and soups.

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💡 Tips, Tricks & Variations

• Make it Tex-Mex: Add taco seasoning to the beef, swap in nacho cheese, and top with jalapeños.
• Add crunch: Top with crushed fried onions or tortilla strips for an extra layer of texture.
• Freezer friendly: Assemble the casserole and freeze before baking. Add 15 minutes to the baking time from frozen.
• Low-sodium option: Use homemade or low-sodium soup and skip added salt.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and tater tots.

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🧑‍🍳 From My Kitchen: The Ultimate Upgrade

Try stirring a teaspoon of Dijon mustard and a handful of caramelized onions into the beef mixture before baking. It adds an extra layer of umami and a touch of French onion flair—your family will ask what your secret ingredient is!