Description
This classic Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef, sautéed mushrooms and onions, creamy bechamel-style sauce, and a crispy layer of golden tater tots topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, this mini casserole serves two and bakes up in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1/2 pound organic ground beef
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 5 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Topping
- Frozen tater tots, enough to cover the casserole dish surface
- 1/2 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a mini casserole dish (about 2 cups capacity) with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks until fully browned and no longer pink.
- Drain Beef: Transfer the browned beef onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease; keep the pan for the next steps.
- Sauté Vegetables: Return the pan to medium heat, add butter, sliced mushrooms, diced onion, and dried thyme. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until onions soften, stirring frequently. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and stir continuously, cooking for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Add Milk and Cream: Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while stirring, then bring the mixture to a boil until it thickens, stirring often to prevent lumps.
- Season the Sauce: Turn off heat and stir in the additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the browned ground beef evenly on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Layer frozen tater tots on top of the beef. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the tater tots, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until bubbly and the tater tots are cooked through and golden.
Notes
- You can substitute mild cheddar cheese with sharp cheddar or a cheese blend for a different flavor.
- For added crunch, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with butter on top before baking.
- Feel free to add chopped bell peppers or green beans for extra veggies.
- The casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting cold.
