Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups chopped yellow onion
• 1 pound ground chuck beef (80% lean)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups frozen cut green beans, thawed
• 2 cups frozen sweet corn, thawed
• 1 ½ pounds frozen tater tots
• ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s®)
• ½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 2 small scallions, thinly sliced

Steps:

1. Cook the Ground Beef:

• In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
• Add the ground chuck beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the beef is browned and fully cooked. This will take about 8-10 minutes.
• Season the beef mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and seasoned salt. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.

2. Make the Casserole Filling:

• Once the beef is cooked and seasoned, stir in the two cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup. Mix well to combine the soup with the beef and onions, creating a creamy filling for the casserole.
• Add the thawed green beans and sweet corn to the mixture, stirring until they’re evenly distributed throughout the beef and soup mixture. This adds color, texture, and a burst of flavor to the dish.

3. Assemble the Casserole:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
• Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the casserole mixture. The tater tots will crisp up in the oven, creating a delicious, golden-brown crust on top of the casserole.

4. Bake:

• Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
• After the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with thinly sliced scallions for a fresh, crunchy contrast to the creamy casserole.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes

Total Time: 55-60 minutes

Servings: 6-8 servings

Calories per Serving: 450-500 kcal (approximate)

Why This Recipe is Timeless:

The Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Veggies is a dish that has been loved for generations. It has everything you want in a comforting, hearty meal: it’s easy to make, filling, and packed with flavors that both kids and adults can enjoy. The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and tater tots on top makes it a one-pot wonder that’s both satisfying and nostalgic.

What makes this casserole timeless is its adaptability. It’s a recipe that has been passed down in families and can be customized to suit different tastes. You can swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken, or even add different vegetables, depending on what you have on hand. The versatility of this dish allows it to remain relevant for any occasion, from a casual dinner at home to a large family gathering.

Moreover, casseroles are known for their convenience. They can be made ahead of time, which is a major time-saver for busy cooks. Whether you prepare it in advance and bake it later, or even freeze it for a future meal, this recipe offers both practicality and delicious results.

The crispy tater tots on top add a fun and nostalgic element that makes this dish stand out. They provide the perfect texture contrast to the creamy, savory filling underneath, ensuring that every bite is a satisfying mix of crispy and creamy. Topped with melted cheese and fresh scallions, this casserole is a deliciously complete meal.

Nutritional Facts:

• Calories: 450-500 kcal per serving
• Protein: 20 g
• Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugars: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Calcium: 150 mg
• Iron: 2 mg

FAQs:

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, this casserole can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the dish up until the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed. You may need to add an additional 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Q: Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein? A: Absolutely! This casserole is versatile, and you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian crumbles. Adjust the seasoning as needed to complement the protein of your choice.

Q: Is there a way to make this casserole lower in fat? A: Yes, to make this dish lighter, you can use lean ground beef (such as 90% lean), swap the heavy cream of mushroom soup with a lighter or reduced-fat version, and use a lower-fat cheese or reduce the amount of cheese. You can also swap some of the butter or oil for cooking spray.

Q: Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen? A: While this recipe calls for frozen vegetables for convenience, you can use fresh vegetables as well. Just be sure to cook the fresh vegetables beforehand to soften them up, as they may take longer to cook than frozen vegetables.

Tips for Making:

1. Layering: Ensure that the tater tots are evenly spread on top of the casserole to get a consistent crispy topping. You can also layer some of the cheese on top of the tater tots before baking for an extra cheesy layer.
2. Customization: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Carrots, peas, or even bell peppers would make great additions or substitutions. You can also add herbs and spices like paprika or thyme to adjust the flavor.
3. Make it Spicy: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture to give the casserole a spicy kick.
4. Cheese Variations: Swap the sharp Cheddar for other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of different cheeses for a unique twist.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual servings until hot.
• Freezing: This casserole can be frozen either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, prepare the casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if necessary. If freezing after baking, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until the top is crispy again.

Conclusion:

The Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Veggies is a perfect balance of comforting flavors, textures, and convenience. It’s a dish that can be prepared in less than an hour and is sure to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites. With its hearty ground beef, flavorful vegetables, and crispy tater tots, it’s no wonder that this dish has remained a beloved classic for generations. Whether you’re looking to feed your family after a busy day, or you’re preparing for a casual gathering, this casserole delivers both in flavor and ease. Try it today, and experience the timeless comfort of this mouthwatering dish!