Description
A comforting family favorite featuring savory ground beef, creamy sauce, melted cheese, and crispy golden tater tots. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly into the baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
- Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra crispiness, pre-bake the tater tots for 10 minutes before adding them to the casserole. Add vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans to the beef mixture for more nutrition. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American