ground beef tater tots recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best ground beef tater tots recipe

I’ve been making this ground beef tater tots recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The dish is a classic comfort food that never fails to satisfy. I first tried it at a church potluck, and the lady who brought it shared the recipe with me.

It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. The combination of ground beef, tater tots, and cheese is a match made in heaven. My kids love it because it’s fun to eat, and my husband appreciates how easy it is to make.

I love that it’s a one-pan meal that can be ready in under 30 minutes. The tater tots add a nice crunch to the dish, and the beef is seasoned just right. It’s also a great way to get some vegetables into my kids’ diet – they don’t even notice they’re eating carrots and onions!

As for me, I appreciate how versatile this recipe is. I can serve it as a main dish or use it as a side for potlucks or family gatherings. It’s also an excellent way to use up leftover beef or veggies.

My friends and family have raved about this recipe, and I’m happy to share it with you today. So, if you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal that will please both kids and adults alike, look no further than this ground beef tater tots recipe.

Ground Beef Tater Tots Casserole

4.7 from 916 votes

A hearty and comforting casserole featuring crispy tater tots, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy cheese sauce. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 550 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Ground Beef Mixture

500 grams ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp chili powder

For the Cheese Sauce

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder

For the Tater Tots Layer

2 bags (28 oz each) frozen tater tots

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 400°F.
2Start by cooking the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.
3Add diced onions and cook until the onions are translucent and the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4Drain excess fat.
5Add minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and chili powder to the skillet.
6Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
7Remove from heat and set aside.
8In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
9Add flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns a light brown color.
10Gradually add milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
11Continue to cook the sauce until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
12Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
13Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
14In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of tater tots on the bottom.
15Spoon the ground beef mixture evenly over the tater tots.
16Pour the cheese sauce over the ground beef, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
17Top with another layer of tater tots, pressing them gently into the sauce.
18Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese sauce is bubbly around the edges.
19Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
20This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to serve.
21Serve hot and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Mixing bowl
9×13 inch baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 550 kcal🧈Total Fat: 30g💛Saturated Fat: 15g❤️Cholesterol: 100mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture. You can also customize the cheese sauce by adding your favorite herbs or spices.

Watch Video Of How Ground Beef Tater Tots Casserole Works

This ground beef tater tots recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick weeknight dinner. The leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to two months.

When reheating, simply microwave or bake until hot and crispy – you can also add some extra cheese on top if you like! This recipe works well for family gatherings because everyone loves the combination of flavors and textures – kids will enjoy helping with the assembly process, too.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Tater Tots Casserole

1. What type of ground beef should I use?

You can use either 80/20 or 70/30 ground beef for this recipe.

2. Can I substitute the tater tots with regular potatoes?

No, the tater tots are an essential component of this recipe – they add a unique texture and flavor that regular potatoes wouldn’t provide.

3. How do I know if the meat is fully cooked?

You can check by cutting into one of the patties – if it’s still pink in the center, cook for another 5 minutes before checking again.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but cook the tater tots just before serving – they’re best served hot and crispy.

5. What if I don’t have any cheese?

You can omit the cheese altogether or substitute with another dairy product like sour cream or Greek yogurt.

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