Cheesy Beef and Tater Bake
Indulge in the comforting layers of savory beef, crispy tater tots, and creamy mozzarella cheese baked to perfection. Ideal for busy evenings, this dish can be prepped in advance to satisfy the whole family. Packed with hearty ingredients and a rich, creamy sauce, this casserole will be a new favorite in your weekly rotation.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned)
onion
1/2 small (chopped)
tater tots
16 ounces
cream of celery soup
1 can (10 ounces)
milk
1/4-1/2 cup
frozen corn
1 cup
mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add the chopped onion when the beef is nearly cooked through and continue sautéing until the onion is translucent. Season the beef with your choice of spice blend without salt, as the soup adds seasoning.
3
Spray a 11x7 inch casserole dish with non-stick spray. Layer the bottom of the dish with tater tots, ensuring they are evenly spread out.
4
Layer the cooked beef and onions over the tater tots, spreading them out evenly.
5
Sprinkle 1 cup of frozen corn evenly over the beef layer.
6
In a small mixing bowl, combine the cream of celery soup with the milk, stirring until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the corn layer.
7
Top the casserole with mozzarella cheese, covering the entire surface.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the casserole was prepared earlier and refrigerated, it may require additional baking time.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Beef and Tater Bake?
It is a comforting casserole featuring layers of savory ground beef, crispy tater tots, and creamy mozzarella cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size casserole dish should I use?
An 11x7 inch casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
What is the first layer of the casserole?
The bottom of the dish should be layered with 16 ounces of tater tots.
Do I need to cook the beef before assembly?
Yes, the ground beef should be browned in a skillet over medium heat before being added to the casserole.
When should I add the onion to the recipe?
Add the chopped onion to the skillet when the ground beef is nearly cooked through and sauté until translucent.
What kind of soup is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for one 10-ounce can of cream of celery soup.
How much milk is needed for the sauce mixture?
You will need between 1/4 and 1/2 cup of milk to mix with the soup.
What type of cheese is best for this bake?
The recipe specifically uses 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Should I add salt to the beef while cooking?
It is recommended to use a spice blend without salt, as the cream of celery soup already provides significant seasoning.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I use frozen corn in this recipe?
Yes, 1 cup of frozen corn should be sprinkled evenly over the beef layer.
Can this dish be prepared in advance?
Yes, this is an ideal make-ahead meal that can be prepped and refrigerated until you are ready to bake.
What should I do if the casserole was refrigerated before baking?
If the casserole was prepared earlier and kept in the fridge, it may require additional baking time beyond the standard 30 minutes.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, spray the casserole dish with non-stick spray before adding the ingredients.
Is this recipe considered a 'comfort food'?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and a family-friendly easy dinner.
How much ground beef is required?
The recipe requires 1 pound of ground beef.
In what order are the layers assembled?
The order is: tater tots, followed by beef and onions, then corn, then the soup mixture, and finally the mozzarella cheese.
How do I ensure the soup mixture is smooth?
Combine the cream of celery soup and milk in a small mixing bowl and stir until the consistency is smooth before pouring.
Can I use a different type of onion?
The recipe calls for 1/2 of a small onion, but you can use yellow or white onion based on preference.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 7 main ingredients: ground beef, onion, tater tots, cream of celery soup, milk, frozen corn, and mozzarella cheese.
Are there any specific spices recommended?
The recipe suggests your choice of a salt-free spice blend to season the beef.
Is there a specific preparation for the mozzarella cheese?
The mozzarella cheese should be shredded for even melting.
Can I use different vegetables besides corn?
While the recipe specifies frozen corn, similar frozen vegetables like peas or mixed veg could be substituted.
What makes the tater tots crispy?
Placing the tater tots as the base layer and baking at 350°F helps them cook through while the rest of the casserole bakes.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Tags include casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, make-ahead meal, and family-friendly.
What is the weight of the tater tot package used?
The recipe uses a 16-ounce package of tater tots.
How do I know when the cheese is done?
The cheese should be completely melted and showing bubbles on the surface.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, due to its simple assembly and 30-minute bake time, it is ideal for busy schedules.