Simple Tater Tot Casserole (Family Favorite!)

This Classic Tater Tot Casserole recipe is the ultimate in easy comfort food! A savory ground beef mixture topped with creamy soup, cheese, and a crispy layer of tater tots makes this a guaranteed family favorite for a simple weeknight dinner.

Keyword Focus: Tater Tot Casserole, Easy Casserole Recipe, Ground Beef Casserole, Comfort Food, Family Dinner.

Recipe Details:

Cuisine: American
Course: Main Course
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yields: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

1 lb Ground Beef
1/2 Yellow Onion, chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced (optional)
1 (10.75 ounce) can Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (or Cream of Chicken, or Cream of Celery)
1/2 cup Milk
1 (10-15 ounce) package Frozen Mixed Vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans, or a mix), thawed or frozen
1 1/2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided
1 (32 ounce) package Frozen Tater Tots
Salt and Pepper to taste

Equipment:

Large skillet
9x13 inch baking dish
Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion (and minced garlic, if using). Cook until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk until well combined and smooth.
Add Vegetables and Cheese: Stir in the thawed (or frozen) mixed vegetables and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the beef and soup mixture.
Assemble Casserole: Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top of the beef mixture, covering as much of the surface as possible.
Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the casserole is bubbly.
Serve: Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy this classic and easy Tater Tot Casserole!

Tips and Variations for "The Best" Tater Tot Casserole:

Season the Beef Well: Don't be shy with your salt, pepper, and any other spices you enjoy with ground beef (like Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning).
Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend.
Add Different Vegetables: Consider adding cooked green beans, corn (if not already in your mix), or even a layer of sautéed mushrooms.
Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for a little heat.
Different Meats: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground sausage, or even shredded cooked chicken.
Crispier Tots: For extra crispy tater tots, you can bake them separately for the last 10-15 minutes or broil them briefly (watch carefully to avoid burning).
Make it Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without the tater tots on top) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add the tater tots and cheese just before baking.