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Best Ever Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar

This easy tater tot casserole is a classic comfort-food dinner made with seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, green beans, sharp cheddar, and a crispy golden tater tot topping. It bakes in one dish and is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead meals the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef Layer
  • 1.5 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
Casserole Layers
  • 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz
  • 1 can green beans 14.5 oz, drained (or use frozen)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 28-32 oz frozen tater tots keep frozen until baking

Method
 

Prep
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Beef Mixture
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
  4. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.
Assemble
  1. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  2. Spread the condensed cream of mushroom soup evenly over the beef.
  3. Layer the green beans over the soup.
  4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the green beans.
  5. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
Bake and Rest
  1. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden and the casserole is bubbly.
  2. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For crispier tater tots, keep them frozen until the casserole goes into the oven and arrange them in a single layer.
  • Drain canned green beans well to avoid a watery casserole; if using frozen, thaw and pat dry first.
  • Make-ahead: assemble up to 8 hours ahead and refrigerate; bake from cold and add 5–10 minutes as needed.
  • Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispy topping.