Ultimate Cheesy Beef Tater Tot Bake

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Ultimate Cheesy Beef Tater Tot Bake: Your Family’s New Favorite!

Get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience with this incredibly satisfying Ultimate Cheesy Beef Tater Tot Bake! This hearty casserole features perfectly seasoned ground beef and tender aromatics, all bathed in a rich, creamy sauce, then topped with golden, crispy tater tots and a blanket of gooey, melted cheese. It’s the perfect easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dinner that will bring smiles to everyone at the table!

This bake is a true weeknight hero, delivering layers of comforting flavors and textures: the savory beef, the luscious creamy sauce, the satisfying crunch of the tater tots, and the irresistible stretch of melted cheese. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to become a regular in your meal rotation!

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (alcohol-free)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (condensed)
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2% recommended)
  • 1 bag (28-32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or preferred melting cheese)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed for browning beef)
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Equipment:

  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

  2. Brown Ground Beef & Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil (if using) over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until thoroughly browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add the finely diced small onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent.

  3. Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste with the beef and onion mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring. Then, stir in the Worcestershire sauce (alcohol-free), smoked paprika, garlic powder, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup and 1 cup milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and well combined, forming a creamy sauce.

  4. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the entire creamy beef mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish.

  5. Add Tater Tots & Cheese: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture. You can arrange them neatly or just spread them out. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.

  6. Bake the Casserole: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

  7. Add Final Cheese & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the crispy tater tots. Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Let the Ultimate Cheesy Beef Tater Tot Bake stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives (if using) for a touch of freshness. Serve warm and enjoy this ultimate comfort food!

Tips & Variations:

  • Cheese Variety: Feel free to use a blend of cheeses like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend for different flavor and melt.
  • Veggie Boost: Stir in 1 cup of frozen corn, peas, or diced carrots along with the soup mixture for added vegetables.
  • Spice Level: A pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the beef mixture for a little kick.
  • Different Soup: While cream of mushroom is classic, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can also be used.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the beef and sauce mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the casserole with the tater tots and cheese just before baking.
  • Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

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