Crispy Veggie Tater Tot Bake
This delightful Crispy Veggie Tater Tot Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining crisp tater tots with seasoned ground beef, savory mixed vegetables, and creamy mushroom soup for a nostalgic meal that warms the heart. With the optional addition of cheese, every bite is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, satisfying everyone at the table. Ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this one-dish casserole is as easy to prepare as it is delicious, making it a favorite for families seeking a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (none)
small onion
1 (finely chopped)
cream of mushroom soup
10 3/4 ounces (none)
milk
1/4 cup (none)
frozen mixed vegetables
8-10 ounces (none)
cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
tater tots
16 ounces (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef with the finely chopped onion until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess grease.
3
Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of a 2-quart casserole dish.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir until well blended, then pour this mixture over the ground beef in the casserole dish.
5
Sprinkle the frozen mixed vegetables generously over the beef and soup layer, creating an even distribution.
6
If desired, sprinkle half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the vegetable layer for an extra cheesy flavor.
7
Arrange the tater tots (or Ore-Ida Crispy Crowns) neatly on top of the mixture, covering it completely.
8
Finish by sprinkling the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
9
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
10
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Veggie Tater Tot Bake?
It is a comfort food casserole made with ground beef, mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, and a crispy tater tot topping.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the tater tot bake take to cook?
It needs to bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of lean ground beef.
Do I need to cook the beef before putting it in the casserole?
Yes, you should brown the lean ground beef with chopped onion in a skillet until fully cooked before assembling.
Should I drain the grease from the beef?
Yes, you should drain any excess grease after browning the beef and onions.
What size casserole dish is recommended?
A 2-quart casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
What kind of soup is used in the sauce?
One 10 3/4 ounce can of cream of mushroom soup is used.
How much milk is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of milk to mix with the soup.
What kind of vegetables go into this bake?
The recipe uses 8-10 ounces of frozen mixed vegetables.
Can I add cheese to the Crispy Veggie Tater Tot Bake?
Yes, you can use 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, divided between the vegetable layer and the top.
What type of potatoes can I use?
You can use 16 ounces of tater tots or Ore-Ida Crispy Crowns.
How should the onion be prepared?
The small onion should be finely chopped.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a child-friendly, crowd-pleasing comfort food dish.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The bake is done when the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Do I need to cover the dish while baking?
No, the casserole should be baked uncovered to ensure the tots get crispy.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
While the recipe calls for beef, you could substitute ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: ground beef, onion, cream of mushroom soup, milk, frozen veggies, cheese, and tater tots.
Should I let the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, allow it to cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is considered a one-dish casserole that combines protein, vegetables, and starches.
What color should the tater tots be when done?
They should be a nice golden brown.
How do I arrange the tater tots?
Arrange them neatly on top of the mixture, covering it completely.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cheddar is recommended, you can use any shreddable cheese you enjoy.
Is the onion cooked with the beef?
Yes, the onion is sautéed with the beef until it is translucent.
What is the first layer of the casserole?
The first layer is the cooked ground beef and onion mixture.
How do I make the soup layer?
Mix the cream of mushroom soup and milk in a bowl until blended, then pour over the beef.
Do I thaw the frozen vegetables first?
No, you can sprinkle the frozen mixed vegetables directly over the beef and soup layer.
Where does the first half of the cheese go?
It is sprinkled on top of the vegetable layer, before adding the tater tots.
Where does the second half of the cheese go?
It is sprinkled over the very top of the tater tots.
Is this recipe quick to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and is easy to assemble once the beef is browned.