Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (optional, such as peas, carrots, and corn)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is softened, about 3-4 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until smooth.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Stir the soup mixture into the cooked ground beef and onion. If using, add the frozen mixed vegetables and mix well.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese and Tater Tots:
- Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot.
Tips
- Ground Beef: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add or omit vegetables based on your preference. Fresh or canned vegetables can also be used.
- Cheese: Use your favorite cheese, or a combination of cheeses, for different flavors.
- Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a little kick.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting Tater Tot Casserole!