Description
This Tasty Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, flavorful vegetables, and crispy tater tots topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines rich textures and classic flavors into one satisfying casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can corn kernels, drained
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can green beans, drained
Topping
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Beef and Onions: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, cook 2 pounds ground beef seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until browned, about 8 minutes. Add the diced white onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Make the Roux: Add 2 tablespoons butter to the saucepan and let it fully melt. Stir in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour until well combined and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Add Liquids and Vegetables: Gradually pour in 1 cup beef broth, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce while stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the drained corn kernels and green beans, and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
- Add Tater Tots and Cheese: Arrange 32 ounces of frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the meat mixture. Sprinkle 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add garlic or paprika when cooking the beef.
- Substitute milk with a lactose-free alternative if desired.
- You can use fresh or frozen corn and green beans if canned are not preferred.
- Use sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor or mozzarella for a milder taste.
- If you want crisper tater tots, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
