Table of Contents
- Introduction: A Comfort Food Classic
- Why This Tater Tot Casserole is a Must-Try
- Key Ingredients That Make This Recipe Shine
- How to Make the Best Easy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
- Serving Suggestions and Variations
- Storage and Meal Prep Tips
- Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- This easy tater tot casserole with ground beef is a family-friendly meal that requires minimal prep.
- The recipe uses simple ingredients like ground beef, tater tots, and cheese for a flavorful dish.
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers, making it a great weeknight dinner option.
Introduction: A Comfort Food Classic
There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy, and crispy tater tot casserole on a busy weeknight. This easy tater tot casserole with ground beef is a true comfort food favorite, packed with delicious flavors that the whole family will love. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a potluck dish that everyone will rave about, this recipe from Lila Cooks is a must-try!
Why This Tater Tot Casserole is a Must-Try
What makes this easy tater tot casserole with ground beef so special? It’s simple to prepare, incredibly delicious, and made with pantry staples. The combination of seasoned beef, creamy sauce, crispy tater tots, and melted cheese creates the perfect bite every time. If you love quick and easy recipes for dinner, this one will definitely be a staple in your kitchen.
Key Ingredients That Make This Recipe Shine
The magic of this dish comes from a handful of ingredients that bring out the best flavors. Ground beef provides a hearty base, while tater tots add a crispy, golden texture. A creamy sauce binds everything together, and shredded cheese gives it that irresistible gooey topping. If you enjoy cheesey potatoes easy recipes, this dish will be right up your alley.
How to Make the Best Easy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Making this casserole couldn’t be easier. Start by browning the ground beef and seasoning it to perfection. Mix it with a creamy base, then layer it in a baking dish with shredded cheese and frozen tater tots. Pop it in the oven and let the magic happen! In just under an hour, you’ll have a golden, bubbly casserole that’s as comforting as it is delicious. If you’re a fan of easy recipes for dinner, this one checks all the boxes.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can add veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas for an extra boost of nutrition. Swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Pair it with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. And if you’re looking for butter swim biscuits easy recipes to go alongside, they make the perfect companion!
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
This casserole stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. Simply refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If you want to freeze it, assemble the casserole but hold off on baking. When ready to eat, bake straight from the freezer for an easy, homemade meal anytime. For those who love air fryer cookies easy recipes, using an air fryer to reheat portions is a quick and efficient option!
Easy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef and cheese mixture.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, until cheese melts.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
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