Tater Tot Ground Beef Casserole (Printable Version)

Hearty casserole with seasoned beef, cheese, corn, and crispy tater tots baked until golden.

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 1 pound lean ground beef

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

02 - 1/2 medium onion, chopped
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 (12-ounce) can corn, drained
05 - Chopped scallions, for garnish (optional)

→ Dairy & Sauces

06 - 1/2 cup sour cream
07 - 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
08 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

→ Seasonings

09 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
10 - 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Topping

12 - 32 ounces frozen tater tots

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F and position the oven rack to the upper third.
02 - In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and chopped onions, breaking up the meat and stirring occasionally until beef is browned and onions are tender, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Stir in minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning; cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
04 - Lower heat to medium and mix in sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, drained corn, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly and heat for 1 to 2 minutes until combined.
05 - Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the top, then arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on the surface.
06 - Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
07 - Remove from oven and garnish with chopped scallions if desired. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Using a large oven-safe skillet allows you to cook and bake the casserole in one dish, simplifying preparation and cleanup.