Comforting Midwest Tater Tot Casserole (Printable)
Hearty Midwest-style casserole with seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, vegetables, and golden crispy tater tots.
# 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
→ 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
# Step-by-step:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
03 - Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
04 - Add the cream of mushroom soup and milk to the skillet. Mix until combined, then stir in corn and peas.
05 - Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
06 - Arrange tater tots in a single, even layer over the casserole.
07 - Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
08 - Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This is the kind of dinner that makes everyone feel like a kid again, even the adults
- Everything comes together in one pan and bakes into pure comfort food magic
02 -
- I once rushed the cooling time and ended up with soup instead of casserole, so do not skip the resting period
- Spreading the tots in a single layer instead of piling them up is the secret to getting them all evenly crispy
03 -
- Check your tater tot brand for gluten if that matters to you, as some contain wheat
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting