Description
Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and comforting American dish featuring seasoned ground beef cooked with onions, thickened with a creamy sauce, layered with cheddar cheese, and topped with crispy frozen tater tots for a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
Thickening and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Toppings
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef along with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook and crumble the beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté Onions: Remove the cooked beef and set aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they become soft and translucent.
- Make Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and whisk for 15 seconds to cook the flour. Gradually add beef broth, whole milk, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring continuously. Cook the mixture on medium heat for 2-3 minutes until it thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Combine Beef with Sauce: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, stirring it thoroughly to combine with the thickened sauce mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: In a 9x13 inch baking pan, spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly as the base layer. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef. Finally, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Using 80/20 ground beef balances flavor and fat for a juicy texture.
- For a crispier topping, you can broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Make sure to cook the flour briefly to avoid a raw taste in the sauce.
- You can add vegetables such as peas or corn to the beef mixture for added nutrition.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.