Hearty Beef and Cheddar Tater Tot Casserole
This hearty casserole combines seasoned ground beef and beans with a cheesy, savory sauce, topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. It's a comforting meal perfect for a family dinner.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- large skillet
Ingredients
Casserole Base
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Topping & Cheese
- 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion until browned, then drain excess grease.
Assemble the Casserole
- Stir in kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld flavors.
- Mix in the condensed cheddar cheese soup until well combined.
- Pour the chili mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the chili layer.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
Bake and Serve
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and bake for another 5-10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the chili powder. You can also brown the tater tots slightly in a separate pan before adding them to the casserole for extra crispness. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.