Go Back
–+ servings
Close-up of a Cheesy Tater Tot Beef Casserole with a scoop removed, showing crispy tater tots over melted cheese and ground beef filling.

Cheesy Tater Tot Beef Casserole

This recipe creates a comforting casserole using ground beef, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, topped with cheese and tater tots. It is a simple, satisfying meal that appeals to families.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
  • 1.5 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
  • 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 10.5-oz. can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1/2 cup frozen green beans
  • 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp. yellow mustard optional
  • 6 oz. extra-sharp yellow cheddar, grated divided
Topping
  • 1.5 lb. tater tots about 72
  • Kosher salt To taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper To taste
  • Sliced scallions For serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 13" x 9" baking dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until lightly browned, 7 to 8 minutes; season with salt.
  2. Add the beef, breaking the meat into smaller pieces. Cook, stirring frequently, until browned and no longer pink, 6 to 7 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Transfer the meat mixture to a medium bowl.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the roux is bubbly and fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly add the broth, then whisk constantly until the mixture simmers and thickens; there should be no lumps. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup.
  4. Add the meat mixture, corn, green beans, Worcestershire sauce, mustard (if using), and half of the grated cheese; season with salt. Pour this mixture into a 13" x 9" baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese. Arrange the tater tots in horizontal rows on top, leaving a small gap between each row.
  5. Bake the casserole until the center and edges are bubbling, 35 to 40 minutes. Top with sliced scallions before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 35gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This casserole reheats well. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to one day before baking. Add about 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!