Tater Tot Casserole (No Canned Soup!)
This Tater Tot Casserole recipe is a homemade, comforting dish made without canned soup, featuring savory ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce topped with crispy tater tots. Perfect for a family meal or weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef 80/20 provides the rich, meaty base
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt enhances all the flavors
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper adds a hint of spice
- 1 medium yellow onion diced, for sweetness and depth
- 1 clove garlic minced, for aromatic flavor
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour thickens the creamy sauce
- ½ cup whole milk makes the sauce smooth and rich
- ½ cup beef broth adds savory depth to the sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce boosts umami and complexity
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables corn, carrots, peas, green beans; adds color, texture, and nutrition
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese shredded, melty, cheesy goodness
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots crispy topping that completes the dish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, gather and prepare all your ingredients so everything is ready to go.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. When the beef is about halfway browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked beef mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the whole milk and beef broth while stirring constantly. Add the Worcestershire sauce. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, allowing them to warm through and distribute evenly. Remove the skillet from heat, then fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated.
- Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the frozen tater tots in a single layer, covering the entire surface. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots for an extra cheesy crust.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and makes scooping easier. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade comfort food classic!
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Oven
Notes
Use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and fat. Don't skip the flour step to avoid watery sauce. Drain excess fat from the beef to prevent greasiness. Frozen mixed vegetables can be swapped for fresh ones. Let the casserole rest after baking for easier serving. For extra crispy tater tots, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
Variations include vegetarian substitutions, different cheese options, adding spices for heat, using different vegetables, or making it gluten-free by substituting flour and Worcestershire sauce.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.