Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole

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If you’re ever in need of a dinner that delivers comfort, flavor, and simplicity all in one dish, this Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole is the answer. I’ve made this countless times on busy weeknights when I need something that’s filling and family-approved. It’s got everything I love—savory ground beef, melty cheese, creamy sauce, and crispy golden tater tots layered on top like a crown. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone come back for seconds (and sometimes thirds!).

What I love most about this casserole is how little effort it takes to throw together. You don’t need to fuss over complicated ingredients or techniques. It’s straightforward, hearty, and bakes up beautifully every time. Plus, it’s flexible enough to adjust based on what’s in your pantry or fridge. This is one of those meals that feels nostalgic and indulgent, but still practical enough for a weeknight dinner.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole

This casserole is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. It only takes a few affordable ingredients, yet the result is rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want plenty of leftovers, this is one of those meals that tastes just as good reheated the next day. The crispy tater tots on top add the perfect crunch against the creamy and cheesy filling underneath.

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What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For best results, I use lean ground beef (around 85% lean). It offers great flavor without making the dish greasy. If you opt for a fattier ground beef, just be sure to drain the excess fat before assembling the casserole. You can even swap in ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter version.

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Options for Substitutions

This recipe is super forgiving. You can swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute if you’re aiming for something vegetarian. Not a fan of cream of mushroom soup? Cream of chicken or cheddar cheese soup works beautifully too. You can also toss in veggies like corn, peas, or green beans to make it more of a complete one-pan meal. And don’t be shy with the cheese—cheddar is classic, but pepper jack or mozzarella can take it in a fun new direction.

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Ingredients for this Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole

• Ground beef – The hearty foundation of the dish, offering rich flavor and satisfying protein.
• Frozen tater tots – Crispy and golden on top, these make the perfect crunchy layer.
• Cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully into the beef mixture and on top for gooey, cheesy perfection.
• Cream of mushroom soup – Adds creaminess and depth of flavor to bind everything together.
• Green bell peppers – Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch that balances the richness.
• Yellow onion – Infuses aromatic depth and savory undertones to the beef.
• Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors in the dish.

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Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want it nice and hot so the tater tots get crispy and golden.

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Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Veggies

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease if needed. Add chopped onions and green bell peppers and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.

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Step 3: Stir in the Soup and Seasonings

Add the cream of mushroom soup to the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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Step 4: Layer the Casserole

In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the beef mixture evenly along the bottom. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

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Step 5: Add the Tater Tots

Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. You can place them neatly in rows for that classic look, or scatter them for a more rustic appearance.

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Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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How Long to Prepare the Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole

Preparation for this casserole is fairly quick, especially if you’ve already got your ingredients prepped. Browning the beef and softening the vegetables takes about 10–15 minutes. Layering everything in the baking dish is done in another 5 minutes.

As for baking, once everything is assembled, it takes around 35–40 minutes in the oven. I usually let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving so the layers can settle a bit. In total, you’re looking at roughly 50–60 minutes from start to plate.

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Tips for Perfect Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole

• Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease in the dish.
• Sauté the onions and peppers until soft to bring out their natural sweetness.
• Don’t skimp on cheese—cheddar gives the best melt and flavor.
• Arrange tater tots in a single layer to ensure even crisping.
• Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving—it helps it hold together better.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using too much soup: It can make the casserole soggy.
• Skipping the veggie sauté: Raw peppers and onions won’t cook properly in the oven.
• Not draining excess grease: This can make the casserole oily.
• Overbaking: You risk drying out the beef layer.
• Layering cheese on top of tots: Always place cheese under tots for maximum crisp.

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What to Serve With Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole?

1. Green Salad

A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.

2. Roasted Vegetables

Simple roasted carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make a great companion.

3. Garlic Bread

A warm, buttery slice of garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser.

4. Coleslaw

Its tangy crunch contrasts well with the creamy casserole.

5. Steamed Green Beans

A light and easy veggie side to keep things fresh.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.

Freezer: This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 375°F until hot and bubbly.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Calories: ~450 per serving
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this casserole vegetarian?

You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms and use cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything up to a day in advance, cover and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

What other cheeses can I use?

Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheddar blend work great. Pepper Jack adds a little kick.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. Corn, peas, or even diced zucchini are great additions.

How do I make the tots extra crispy?

For an extra crispy top, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking. Watch carefully so they don’t burn.

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Conclusion

This Cheesy Ground Beef & Tater Tot Casserole hits all the right notes: it’s comforting, filling, easy to prepare, and family-friendly. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a potluck, it never disappoints. With a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crispy, this dish quickly becomes a favorite in any household. Once you try it, it’s bound to make a regular appearance on your dinner table.

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