This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that’s incredibly easy to make, featuring a savory blend of ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or as a hearty side dish. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly and is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef: Provides a rich, savory base for the casserole.
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: Adds creaminess and enhances the flavor of the beef.

Salt and ground black pepper to taste: Season the beef and soup mixture to your liking.
1 (16 ounce) package frozen tater tots: Crispy and golden, tater tots form the top layer of the casserole.
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese: Adds a cheesy, gooey finish to the casserole.

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Drain Excess Fat: If there’s excess grease in the skillet, drain it off to prevent the casserole from being too greasy.

Step 2: Combine the Soup and Beef

Add the Cream of Mushroom Soup: Stir the can of condensed cream of mushroom soup into the browned beef. Mix until well combined.
Season: Add salt and ground black pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer to a Baking Dish: Pour the beef and soup mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Layer the Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer over the beef mixture. Make sure they are spread out so they will cook evenly and get crispy.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots, ensuring the entire top is covered with cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted.

Check for Doneness: The casserole should be bubbly around the edges, and the tater tots should be crispy on top.
Cool Slightly and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to slice and serve.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: Approximately 450 kcal

Protein: 25g
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 20g

Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 700mg

Cooking Tips:

Add Vegetables: For a healthier twist, you can add vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans to the beef mixture before baking. It adds color, nutrition, and extra flavor.
Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
Use Different Cheeses: Swap out the Cheddar for other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a mix of your favorites for a different flavor profile.

Crispier Tater Tots: For extra crispy tater tots, bake them separately for 10 minutes before adding them on top of the beef mixture.

Storage Tips:

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out.

Freeze: You can freeze the assembled (but unbaked) casserole for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots? A: Yes, you can use diced fresh potatoes. However, tater tots provide that extra crunch and convenience, so if you use fresh potatoes, they may not crisp up as much.
Q: Can I substitute ground beef with another protein? A: Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can be used as a substitute for ground beef in this casserole.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it the next day. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Conclusion:

This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—simple to prepare, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, crispy tater tots, and melty cheese creates a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or even as a potluck favorite. It’s customizable with added vegetables or different cheeses, making it a versatile and reliable recipe to have in your rotation. Give it a try and enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness of this classic casserole!