Description
Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring browned ground beef, a rich and creamy cheese sauce, mixed vegetables, and crispy golden tater tots baked to perfection. This casserole combines savory flavors with a satisfying texture, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 32-ounce bag frozen Tater Tots (do not thaw)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Cream Sauce
- ¼ cup flour
- 1¼ cups low sodium chicken broth, divided
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons beef bouillon (granulated, base or crushed cubes)
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 8 ounces (2 packed cups) freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 15-ounce can green beans, drained
- 1 cup sweet corn (canned and drained or frozen, not thawed)
- 1 cup petite frozen peas, not thawed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.
- Brown Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Add lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease. Stir in minced garlic and all spices (chili powder, dried parsley, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika) and cook for 1 minute to release the aroma.
- Make Cream Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the cooked beef mixture and cook over medium heat for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in 1 cup chicken broth and then the milk, reducing heat to low to prevent curdling. Add soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, beef bouillon, and Dijon mustard. Continue whisking to combine.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer while whisking frequently. Cook for about 7 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy, thick consistency that will hold the tater tots without them sinking.
- Add Cheese and Vegetables: Remove from heat and whisk in ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted. Stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt. Fold in drained green beans, sweet corn, and frozen peas. If needed, stir in the remaining ¼ cup chicken broth to adjust the sauce to a thick but slightly saucy consistency. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as desired.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the beef cheese and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese evenly over the mixture. Arrange an even layer of frozen tater tots on top (you will not use the entire bag).
- Bake Casserole: Bake the casserole at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 to 50 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. For extra crispy tater tots, optionally broil for a few minutes at the end.
- Add Final Cheese Layer: Remove casserole from oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a fresh, bright touch.
Notes
- To prep ahead, assemble casserole without topping with tater tots, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours.
- Before baking a refrigerated casserole, let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes, then add frozen tater tots on top and bake, adding 10-15 minutes to cooking time as needed.
- Use Greek yogurt as a healthier substitute for sour cream.
- If you want a thicker sauce, simmer a little longer before baking; a thicker sauce helps prevent tater tots from sinking.
- Broiling at the end crisps the tots nicely, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
