Beef Cheddar Tater Tot Bake (Printable Version)
Savory beef, cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots combine in this family-style oven-baked casserole.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 pound ground beef (80–85% lean)
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce & Dairy
04 - 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
05 - 1/2 cup whole milk
06 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
07 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Topping
11 - 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
03 - Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef in the skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion softens and becomes fragrant.
04 - Stir in condensed cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until heated through and combined.
05 - Reduce heat to low and fold in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
06 - Pour the prepared beef mixture into the greased baking dish and spread evenly.
07 - Evenly arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture.
08 - Place the dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are crisp and golden.
09 - Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. Return casserole to oven for 5 to 7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10 - Allow casserole to stand for 5 minutes before portioning and serving.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Uses everyday ingredients most kitchens keep on hand
- Perfect for prepping ahead or assembling last minute
- Family-friendly and kid approved every time
- Hearty enough to feed a crowd or satisfy a hungry family
- Ready in under one hour for easy weeknight meals
- Leftovers are just as crave-worthy the next day
02 -
- Rich in protein and satisfying
- Easily adaptable for dietary needs
- Makes excellent leftovers for lunch
03 -
- Always shred your own cheese for the best melt
- Do not crowd the tater tots or they will steam instead of crisping
- Drain the beef fully to keep the filling from getting greasy