Save to Pinterest A comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole layered with savory ground beef, creamy sauce, cheese, and crispy tater tots—perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
This casserole has been a family favorite for years, always bringing smiles and full plates at our dinner table.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g) (85% lean recommended)
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Frozen peas and carrots: 1 cup (150 g)
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g)
- Whole milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 2 cups (200 g), divided
- Worcestershire sauce: 1/2 tsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Frozen tater tots: 1 bag (32 oz / 900 g)
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook beef:
- 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.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add peas and carrots:
- Stir in frozen peas and carrots. Cook for 2 more minutes.
- Mix sauce:
- 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.
- Assemble casserole:
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Add cheese layer:
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup (50 g) cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
- Add topping:
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top.
- Bake first time:
- Bake uncovered for 35 minutes.
- Add final cheese layer:
- Remove from oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup (50 g) cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake second time:
- Bake for another 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and tots are golden brown.
- Rest:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest My family gathers every Sunday to enjoy this dish, sharing stories and laughter over seconds and thirds.
Notes
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
Allergen Information
Contains Milk, Wheat (in soup and possibly tater tots), Soy (possible in soup), Cheese. May contain Gluten (in soup and possibly tater tots). Always check labels for gluten and soy if allergies are a concern.
Save to Pinterest This tater tot casserole offers both comfort and convenience perfect for weeknight dinners.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do I make the tater tots crispy?
Baking uncovered at 375°F ensures the tots become golden and crisp on top.
- → Can I add other vegetables?
Frozen peas and carrots are recommended, but you can include other diced vegetables to taste.
- → Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, cream of chicken soup can be substituted for a slightly different flavor profile.
- → How long should the dish rest before serving?
Allowing it to rest for about 5 minutes helps the layers set and flavors meld nicely.