Pin A comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole layered with savory ground beef, creamy sauce, cheese, and crispy tater tots—perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
This recipe has been a go-to meal in our household for years, always bringing smiles to the dinner table.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g) 85% lean recommended
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Frozen peas and carrots: 1 cup (150 g)
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g)
- Whole milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 2 cups (200 g), divided
- Worcestershire sauce: 1/2 tsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Frozen tater tots: 1 bag (32 oz / 900 g)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Step 2:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Step 3:
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Stir in frozen peas and carrots. Cook for 2 more minutes.
- Step 5:
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, 1 cup (100 g) cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Step 6:
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Step 7:
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup (50 g) cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
- Step 8:
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top.
- Step 9:
- Bake uncovered for 35 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup (50 g) cheddar cheese over the tater tots, and bake for another 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and tots are golden brown.
- Step 10:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Pin Our family gathers around this dish on busy weeknights, sharing laughter and stories.
Required Tools
Large skillet, 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, mixing spoon, measuring cups and spoons, oven
Allergen Information
Contains Milk, Wheat (in soup and possibly tater tots), Soy (possible in soup), Cheese. May contain Gluten (in soup and possibly tater tots). Always check labels for gluten and soy if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480. Total Fat: 28 g. Carbohydrates: 35 g. Protein: 20 g per serving.
Pin 
This casserole is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative while maintaining a similar texture and flavor balance.
- → What’s the best way to get crispy tater tots topping?
Bake the tater tots uncovered until they turn golden brown and crisp, then add cheese on top and continue baking for a melty finish.
- → Can I add extra vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely. Adding diced bell peppers, corn, or green beans can enhance flavor and nutrition without overpowering the dish.
- → Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the layers and refrigerate the dish before baking; just increase cooking time slightly if baking cold.
- → Any tips for enhancing the sauce flavor?
Incorporate a pinch of smoked paprika or substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a richer taste.