Go Back

Tater Tot Casserole

This cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is packed with flavor and comfort, featuring ground beef, sautéed veggies, and crispy tater tots, all baked to perfection. It's an easy one-pan meal perfect for family dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat Base
  • 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or vegetarian crumbles.
Vegetables & Flavorings
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 medium shallot, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Toasting garlic enhances the flavor.
Sauce
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp gluten-free or all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 1 cup milk (use skim) Can substitute with dairy-free milk for a vegan option.
  • 2 tbsp gluten-free tamari or soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Topping
  • 2 lb bag tater tots Use frozen tater tots.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Follow the instructions on the tater tot bag to preheat your oven.
  2. In a large, oven-proof skillet (preferably cast iron), brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper, then drain and set aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet.
  4. Add mushrooms and shallots, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 3-5 minutes until mushrooms soften.
  5. Stir in the garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
  6. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
  7. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
  8. Add the tamari/soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Bring to a bubble, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  9. Remove from heat and stir in the browned ground beef.
  10. Arrange the tater tots on top of the mixture.
Baking
  1. Place the skillet on a baking sheet (or put one on the rack below) and bake according to the tater tot package instructions.
  2. Allow to sit for 5 minutes to thicken before serving.

Notes

This casserole keeps well for about 3-5 days in the fridge. It can be frozen for up to 3 months before baking. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.