Description
This tater tot casserole is the ultimate comfort food, boasting hearty layers of seasoned ground beef, green beans, creamy mushroom soup, melty cheddar cheese, and perfectly crisp golden tater tots. Simple to assemble and beloved by all ages, it makes an easy, satisfying weeknight dinner that’s ready in under an hour!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (the leaner the better)
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 15 oz can green beans, drained
Dairy & Topping
- 10.75 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8 or 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess fat from the pan.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to let it burn.
- Season the Meat: Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and mix well. Season the beef mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Casserole Layers: Spread the ground beef mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the condensed cream of mushroom soup over the beef, smoothing it with a spatula. Next, add a layer of drained green beans, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the green beans.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Bake Casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crisp, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the casserole immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use extra-lean ground beef to minimize grease.
- Substitute green beans with other canned or frozen vegetables if desired.
- You can use different cheese blends for variety.
- For extra flavor, add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.
- This dish is great for meal prep and leftovers reheat well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 859mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 91mg
