ChefScribe
Inspired by videocasserolecomfort food

Tater Tot Casserole

This family casserole uses a homemade beef cream sauce instead of canned soup and is topped with frozen tater tots and cheddar.

Inspired by The Stay At Home Chef
Sep 13, 2022
Print recipe

This family casserole uses a homemade beef cream sauce instead of canned soup and is topped with frozen tater tots and cheddar.

15 min
Prep time
55 min
Cook time
1 hr 10 min
Total time
8 servings
Yield

Ingredients

18 ingredients

Adjust servings

Servings: 84 to 16

Ingredients and nutrition update together

Per serving650 kcal
Fat
35g
Carbs
45g
Protein
35g

Whole recipe (8 servings): 5200 kcal

  • 2 pounds ground beef (85% lean)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 medium white onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can corn, drained
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can green beans, drained
  • 32 ounces frozen tater tots
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Method

10 steps
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned, about 6–8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the onion and mushrooms; cook 6–8 minutes more, until the onion is soft and the mushrooms have released their moisture and browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and stir until melted. Sprinkle flour over the meat mixture and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  4. Gradually pour in beef broth and milk, stirring constantly. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
  5. Stir in drained corn and green beans. Mix well.
  6. Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  7. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the tater tots.
  9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tater tots are heated through and lightly golden.
  10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe notes

Helpful tips

  • For extra crispy tater tots, you can pre-bake them for 10 minutes before adding to the casserole, but this is optional.
  • Feel free to swap in other vegetables like peas or diced carrots.
  • Use a blend of cheeses for more flavor complexity.

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Additional tips

  • Ensure ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Handle hot baking dish with care.

Estimated nutrition

Per serving: 650 calories

Fat: 35 g · Carbs: 45 g · Protein: 35 g