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Cheesy Tater Tot and Beef bake

Cheesy Tater Tot and Beef Bake

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan for browning the beef and aromatics
  • Mixing bowl to combine the soup, sour cream, and cheese
  • 9x13-inch baking dish ideal for even baking and serving
  • Spatula or wooden spoon for stirring ingredients
  • Cheese Grater (if using block cheese)
  • Oven mitts don’t forget safety when handling hot dishes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef 80/20 recommended for flavor
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 bag 32 oz frozen tater tots
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives optional garnish

Optional Add-ins for Variety

  • ½ cup cooked crumbled bacon
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 jalapeño finely chopped (for a spicy kick)
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper if you like it hot

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with a little cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess grease. Add the diced onions and garlic, cooking for another 3 minutes until the onions are translucent. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base

  1. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir until smooth. Fold this creamy mixture into the cooked beef in the skillet until well mixed. If you're going for a Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole With Ground Beef style, don’t hold back on the cheese!

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

  1. Transfer the beef mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle any optional ingredients (like bacon or jalapeños) over the top. Arrange tater tots in neat rows over the filling for maximum crunch and presentation.

Step 5: Bake It

  1. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the tater tots, and return to the oven for another 10 minutes until the cheese melts and the tots are deeply golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

  1. Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped chives on top for color and freshness. Then grab your fork—it’s time to dig in.