Description
This Tasty Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring a savory ground beef and vegetable mixture topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole combines simple ingredients and easy steps to create a delicious meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can corn kernels, drained
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can green beans, drained
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
Topping
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the beef and sauté onions: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, cook 1 1/2 to 2 pounds ground beef with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Add diced 1 medium white onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Make the roux: Add 2 tablespoons butter to the saucepan and allow it to fully melt. Stir in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour until well combined and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Prepare the sauce: Gradually pour in 1 cup beef broth, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the drained 1 (14.5 ounce) can corn kernels and 1 (14.5 ounce) can green beans, stirring occasionally. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Arrange 32 ounces frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top. Evenly sprinkle 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese over the tots.
- Bake the casserole: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lower sodium version, use low-sodium beef broth and reduce the Worcestershire sauce.
- You can substitute frozen mixed vegetables for the corn and green beans if preferred.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor or mild cheddar for a creamier taste.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking before serving to allow it to set.
- For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
