Comforting Midwest Tater Tot Casserole (Printable)
Hearty ground beef and vegetables topped with crispy tater tots and cheddar cheese.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cups frozen corn kernels
04 - 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
→ Sauces & Dairy
05 - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
06 - 1/2 cup whole milk
07 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
→ Pantry & Seasonings
08 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
09 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
10 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
11 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
→ Topping
12 - 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until beef is browned and onion is softened, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
03 - Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the beef mixture. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
04 - Pour condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk into the skillet. Stir until fully combined and smooth. Add frozen corn kernels and frozen peas if using, mixing to incorporate.
05 - Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
06 - Arrange frozen tater tots in a single, even layer covering the entire surface of the casserole.
07 - Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
08 - Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It is the ultimate crowd pleasing comfort food that disappears faster than you can serve it
- The crispy tater tot topping creates this incredible texture contrast with the creamy beef filling underneath
- Everything comes together in one dish with minimal prep work
02 -
- Draining the beef fat is crucial because too much grease makes the casserole oily and heavy
- Do not overcrowd the tater tots or they will steam instead of getting that crispy exterior we want
- The casserole needs those 5 minutes of resting time or it will be too runny when you serve it
03 -
- Sprinkle extra cheese over the tater tots during the last 10 minutes of baking for an even cheesier top
- Try mixing half sharp cheddar and half pepper jack for a little kick