Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Beef and Vegetables
Cheesy tater tot casserole bakes beef and vegetables beneath cheddar and a crisp layer of frozen potato bites.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wide 15 x 10 inch baking dish of at least 6 quarts
- Spatula
- Foil for shielding
- Instant read thermometer
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 cups diced onion
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 3 cups thawed frozen peas and carrots
- 21 ounces condensed cream-of-mushroom soup Two 10.5 oz cans
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 0–1/4 teaspoon salt After tasting
Top and dish
- 3 cups shredded cheddar
- 32 ounces frozen potato bites Suitable for 400°F cooking; follow longer label time
- 1 teaspoon olive oil Dish
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400°F and lightly grease the suitable wide dish with a teaspoon oil. In a large skillet cook crumbled beef until thick clusters reach 160°F, then drain excess fat safely. Lower heat and soften onion about five minutes, adding garlic briefly near the end.
- Stir Worcestershire, parsley, thawed vegetables, condensed soup and pepper into the beef and heat while stirring until hot throughout. Taste before optional salt. Transfer the hot filling into the dish with headroom, spread evenly and share cheddar across it. Arrange frozen potato bites in one layer over the cheese, without stacking them.
- Bake uncovered about thirty-five to forty-five minutes or a longer required product time until potato bites are cooked and crisp and the casserole center reaches 165°F. If the top darkens too early, protect it loosely while the middle finishes. Rest five minutes and divide eight portions.
Notes
Preparation: Cook two pounds ground beef before assembling.
Storage: Refrigerate promptly in shallow covered containers at 40°F or below and use within three days. Divide leftovers from the large baking dish before cooling. Reheat portions to 165°F in the middle. The potato surface softens during storage, so expect a different texture from the fresh bake.