Imagine a dish that combines the hearty satisfaction of ground beef, the creamy richness of mushroom soup, and the crispy delight of golden tater tots - all baked into one mouthwatering casserole that will have your family begging for seconds! This Hamburger Tater Tot Casserole is not just a meal; it's a nostalgic journey back to classic American comfort food that promises to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break up the beef into small pieces as it cooks.
- Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup until well combined. Remove the skillet from heat.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread the beef and onion mixture evenly across the bottom. This will be the base layer of your casserole.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture. This will add a delicious cheesy flavor to the dish.
- Finally, arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. Make sure to cover the entire surface for a crispy topping.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to serve.
- Serve hot, and enjoy your Hamburger Tater Tot Casserole with your favorite sides or garnishes!
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider using ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio) to ensure a juicier result.
- Don't skip draining the excess fat after cooking the beef - this prevents your casserole from becoming greasy.
- For a crispy top, arrange the tater tots in a single, tight layer and avoid overlapping.
- If you want to add more vegetables, try mixing in some frozen mixed vegetables with the beef mixture.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- For a spicier version, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or a blend of cheeses for unique flavor profiles.
- If you're meal prepping, this casserole freezes beautifully - just wrap tightly and reheat when ready to enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 407kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 57mg
