Comforting Midwest Tater Tot Casserole (Print Version)
Hearty ground beef and vegetables topped with crispy golden tater tots in a creamy sauce. A nostalgic Midwest favorite.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cups frozen corn kernels
04 - 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
→ Sauces & Dairy
05 - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
06 - 1/2 cup whole milk
07 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
→ Pantry & Seasonings
08 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
09 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
10 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
11 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
→ Topping
12 - 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
# How to Cook:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and finely chopped yellow onion until beef is browned and onion is softened, approximately 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
03 - Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper over the beef mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
04 - Pour condensed cream of mushroom soup and whole milk into the skillet. Stir until fully combined and smooth. Add frozen corn kernels and frozen peas (if using), mixing well.
05 - Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
06 - Arrange frozen tater tots in a single, uniform layer covering the entire surface of the casserole.
07 - Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
08 - Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set for easier scooping.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Its the ultimate crowd pleaser that somehow tastes even better as leftovers the next day
- Everything cooks in one pan before hitting the oven meaning less cleanup and more time with family
02 -
- Draining the beef fat prevents that greasy layer that sometimes pools at the bottom of the dish
- Letting the casserole rest for those few minutes makes serving so much cleaner
03 -
- Line your baking dish with foil for the easiest cleanup ever
- Extra cheese sprinkled over the tater tots during the last 5 minutes creates that cheese pull everyone loves