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Ground Beef and Green Bean Tater Tot Casserole

Ground beef and green bean tater tot casserole layers a savory beef filling with crisp, golden tater tots. Bake it uncovered until the filling bubbles around the edges, then let it rest before serving.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Resting 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 730

Ingredients
  

For the beef filling
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 yellow onion medium, diced
  • 1.5 lb ground beef 85% lean
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 2 can (14.5 oz) cut green beans drained
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 1.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the topping
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet
  • 1 9x13-inch baking dish

Method
 

Cook the beef
  1. Heat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the onion, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Add the ground beef and garlic, and season with the salt and pepper.
  5. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes, breaking up the beef, until browned and it reaches 160°F.
  6. Drain excess fat.
  7. Stir in the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and cheddar cheese until combined.
  8. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Assemble and bake
  1. Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer over the beef mixture.
  2. Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, until the filling is bubbling around the edges and the tater tots are golden and crisp.
  3. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For the crispest topping, arrange the tater tots in a single even layer. Refrigerate leftovers for 3 to 4 days or freeze them; reheat until hot throughout. For a dairy-free variation, use dairy-free milk, cheese, and condensed mushroom soup.