Comforting Midwest Tater Tot Casserole (Print)
Hearty Midwest-style casserole with ground beef, creamy sauce, vegetables, and crispy golden potato tots.
# Ingredient list:
→ 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
# Directions:
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 chopped onion until beef is browned and onion is softened, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
03 - Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well to distribute seasonings evenly.
04 - Pour condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk into the skillet. Stir until fully combined and smooth. Add frozen corn and peas, mixing to incorporate.
05 - Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to 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, tightly packed layer over 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 - Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set for easier scooping.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Its the kind of meal that makes everyone gather around the baking dish, stealing crispy tots before dinner even starts
- Everything comes together in one pan with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry
02 -
- Never thaw the tater tots before baking or they will turn disappointing and mushy instead of achieving that perfect crunch
- Letting the casserole rest for those full 5 minutes seems pointless but makes the difference between neat servings and a sloppy mess
03 -
- Sprinkle extra cheese over the tots during the last 5 minutes of baking for cheese that gets beautifully browned and crispy
- Arrange tots in neat rows rather than randomly for better texture and easier serving portions