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Tater Tot Casserole

A warm and cozy casserole featuring crispy tater tots on top, a creamy filling with ground beef, cheese, and mixed vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Ground beef (80-90% lean) Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
  • 1 medium Onion, finely chopped Adds sweetness and texture.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced Or use garlic powder if needed.
  • 1 can Cream soup (e.g. cream of mushroom) Cream of chicken or celery also works.
  • 1/2 cup Milk or broth Helps to make the sauce creamy.
  • 2 cups Frozen mixed vegetables Peas, carrots, corn are great options.
  • 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese Cheddar jack blend also works well.
  • 1 pkg Frozen tater tots Keep them frozen until ready to use.
  • to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Optional, for extra flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder For added flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion. Season with salt and pepper and drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
  4. Add the cream soup and a splash of milk or broth and stir until mixture is creamy but not runny. Mix in frozen vegetables and a handful of cheese, adjusting seasoning to taste.
  5. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle a light layer of cheese over the top.
  6. Arrange the frozen tater tots in neat rows on top of the casserole, no need to thaw them first.
  7. Lightly sprinkle with paprika if desired for color.
  8. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the tater tots are golden and the filling bubbles around the edges. If necessary, broil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes for extra color.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Tip: If using leaner meat like turkey, add a teaspoon of olive oil and more salt for taste balance. You can freeze this casserole before or after baking for convenience. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer for best results.