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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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★★★★★

4.9 from 29 reviews

This comforting Tater Tot Casserole combines savory ground beef and creamy mushroom soup with crispy golden tater tots and melted cheddar cheese for a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite spices

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
  2. Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly. Add the diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and optional spices such as garlic powder or paprika. After cooking, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
  3. Combine with cream sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream with the beef mixture. Mix thoroughly and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over medium heat to blend the flavors and heat through.
  4. Layer in the casserole dish: Grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking, then spread the beef and cream mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish to create the first layer of your casserole.
  5. Add cheese layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture, adding a savory and creamy layer that will melt beautifully during baking.
  6. Add tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the cheese to ensure crispiness all around when baked.
  7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top, signaling that it is cooked through.
  8. Add final cheese layer: Remove the casserole from the oven and evenly top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly and slightly golden.
  9. Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes to set before serving, allowing easier slicing and a perfect warm temperature for enjoying this hearty dish.

Notes

  • For added flavor, you can mix in diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions when cooking the beef.
  • If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
  • This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking. Simply add 10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
  • To make this dish lower in fat, you can use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.

Nutrition

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

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