Tater Tot Casserole (No Canned Soup!)

Hearty tater tot casserole with ground beef, cheddar cheese, and mixed vegetables made without canned soup. Crispy tater tots on top of creamy beef and veggie filling make a family-friendly dinner perfect for weeknights and meal prep.

Ingredients

• 2 lb (900 g) ground beef (80/20)
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (120 ml) beef broth
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup (150 g) frozen mixed vegetables (corn, carrots, peas, green beans)
• 8 oz (225 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 32 oz (900 g) frozen tater tots

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Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Dish

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.

Cook the Beef and Vegetables

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and set aside.
2. Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30–60 seconds.

Make the Sauce

1. Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, cooking for 30 seconds.
2. Gradually whisk in milk, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 3 minutes over medium heat until sauce thickens.
3. Stir in cooked beef and frozen mixed vegetables. Remove from heat.

Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
2. Layer shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
3. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.

Bake

1. Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes until tater tots are golden and heated through.
2. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This tater tot casserole is a comforting, family-friendly meal made without canned soup. The creamy homemade sauce, seasoned beef, and crispy tater tots create a classic, hearty dinner everyone will love.

Tips

• Brown beef thoroughly and drain fat to avoid greasy casserole.
• Arrange tater tots in a single layer for even crispiness.
• Let casserole cool slightly before serving to help it set.
• Use fresh or frozen vegetables according to preference.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Replace cheddar with monterey jack or mozzarella for different flavors.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies.
• Use sweet potato tots instead of regular tater tots for a twist.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

Can I freeze it?
Yes, assemble and cover tightly. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Is it possible to make it gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Serving

Serve hot as a main dish for dinner, paired with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Suggestions

• Top with extra shredded cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking for added melty goodness.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or green onions.
• Serve with ketchup or hot sauce for extra flavor.