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Crispy Tater Tot Casserole with Cheesy Ground Beef

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A quick and easy comfort food casserole featuring crispy tater tots layered over a cheesy, seasoned ground beef mixture. Perfect for family dinners and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup beef broth or stock
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or blend with mozzarella)
  • 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
  • 1/2 cup extra shredded cheese for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon.
  3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Season with smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper; stir well.
  5. Pour in beef broth and simmer for 5 minutes until most liquid evaporates but mixture remains moist.
  6. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  7. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt to taste.
  9. Transfer browned beef mixture to a large mixing bowl. Pour cheesy sauce over beef and stir to combine evenly.
  10. Pour beef and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  11. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top. Sprinkle extra shredded cheese if desired.
  12. Bake for 25-30 minutes until tater tots are golden and crispy and cheese is bubbly.
  13. Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

If tater tots brown too quickly, loosely cover casserole with foil halfway through baking. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and broth. Do not thaw tater tots before baking for best crispiness. Leftovers can be reheated in oven or microwave; re-crisp topping under broiler if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: tater tot casserole, cheesy ground beef, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/crispy-tater-tot-casserole-with-cheesy-ground-beef-easy-comfort-recipe/