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Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom Recipe

Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 28 reviews

This hearty Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots, it offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Dairy

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Soup and Seasonings

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite spices

Vegetables

  • 1 small onion, diced

Frozen Goods

  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly and achieving crispy tater tots.
  2. Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly. Add the diced onions and cook until they soften and become translucent. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and optional spices like garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
  3. Combine with cream sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream to the beef mixture, blending everything well. Let it cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to heat through.
  4. Layer in the casserole dish: Grease a casserole dish lightly to prevent sticking. Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish to create a base layer.
  5. Add cheese layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture, adding a rich, savory layer.
  6. Add tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. This layer will become golden and crispy once baked.
  7. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
  8. Add final cheese layer: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
  9. Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve.

Notes

  • You can customize the seasoning according to your taste preferences; adding garlic powder and paprika adds great depth.
  • For a lower-fat version, use ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like green beans or corn to increase the veggie content.
  • Make sure to allow the casserole to rest before serving to avoid burns and improve texture.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tater Tot Casserole, Ground Beef Casserole, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner Recipe, Cheesy Casserole, Party Casserole

Find it online: https://topreci.com/grease-a-casserole-dish-and-spread-the-beef-mixture-evenly-across-the-bottom-recipe/