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Close-up of a baked Cheesy Tater Tot Beef Casserole with a crispy, golden tater tot top layer and visible ground beef and vegetables underneath.

Cheesy Tater Tot Beef Casserole

This recipe adapts the classic comfort food casserole to be a hearty, satisfying meal. It is suitable for busy home cooks and families looking for a familiar dish that fits health goals.
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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
  • To taste Kosher salt
  • 1.5 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
  • To taste Freshly ground black pepper
For the Sauce and Topping
  • 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
  • 1.5 lb. tater tots about 72
  • As needed 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 ground beef, breaking it up 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: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 650mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g

Notes

This casserole is a satisfying comfort food that works well for family dinners or potlucks. You can prepare the base mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, top with cheese and tots and adjust the baking time if starting from cold.

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