Save A comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole layered with savory ground beef, creamy sauce, cheese, and crispy tater tots—perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
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Ingredients
- Meats: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85% lean recommended)
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas and carrots
- Sauces & Dairy: 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Topping: 1 bag (32 oz / 900 g) frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Step 2:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Step 3:
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Stir in frozen peas and carrots. Cook for 2 more minutes.
- Step 5:
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, 1 cup (100 g) cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Step 6:
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Step 7:
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup (50 g) cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
- Step 8:
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top.
- Step 9:
- Bake uncovered for 35 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup (50 g) cheddar cheese over the tater tots, and bake for another 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and tots are golden brown.
- Step 10:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Save Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or swap in ground turkey for a lighter version. Substitute cream of chicken soup if desired. Serve with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Required Tools
Large skillet 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish Mixing spoon Measuring cups and spoons Oven
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480 Total Fat: 28 g Carbohydrates: 35 g Protein: 20 g
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Recipe FAQ
- → What type of ground beef is best for this casserole?
85% lean ground beef strikes a good balance, providing enough fat for flavor while keeping the dish from becoming greasy.
- → Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, cream of chicken soup works well as an alternative, adding a slightly different but still creamy base.
- → How do I ensure the tater tots stay crispy?
Bake uncovered and add cheese after initial baking to allow tots to brown and maintain a crispy topping.
- → Is it possible to add vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely, frozen peas and carrots are included here, but you could also add corn or green beans based on preference.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it in advance and refrigerate; bake just before serving to ensure freshness and crisp topping.