A classic Midwest comfort casserole with crispy potato tots, savory beef, and a creamy filling that feels made for cold family nights.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 40 min
Total: 55 min
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 bag frozen tater tots
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. Cook the ground beef with olive oil over medium heat until browned and fully cooked.
Add the onion and garlic to the beef and cook until softened, allowing the flavors to blend evenly.
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk, mixing until the sauce becomes smooth and coats the beef mixture.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom.
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top, then bake until the tots are golden and crispy.
Sprinkle the cheese over the casserole and return to the oven until melted and lightly bubbly.
Nutrition Facts (approx)
Calories: 590 | Protein: 32g | Carbs: 38g | Fat: 36g
Quick Facts
• one-pan
• cold weather comfort
• family approved
• budget friendly
• freezer friendly
Tips
Brown the beef thoroughly to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
Bake uncovered so the tater tots stay crispy on top.
Let the casserole rest briefly before serving to help it set cleanly.
Variations
Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter but still comforting version. You could also explore other family-style protein swaps like those in these cubed chicken recipes for easy inspiration.
Add frozen corn or green beans to the beef mixture for extra texture and color without extra prep.
Use a blend of cheeses instead of cheddar for a richer, more layered flavor. If you’re into pantry-friendly comfort food, check out this Spam fried rice recipe that offers a different take using shelf-stable ingredients with big flavor.