This no-fuss, flavorful Tater tot casserole recipe is an easy winner for dinner, lunch, or breakfast that brings out a rich, hearty ground beef casserole, topped by decadently cheesy, crispy, golden brown, tater tot goodness!
Dice the onions and garlic cloves into smaller cubes and then set them aside.
Cut the green pepper in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and ribs from the inside of the pepper. Cut the pepper into thin strips and then set it aside.
Drain the can of green beans.
Shred the cheese using a hand grater and divide the amount into two parts. You will be using some for under the tots and the extra cheese on top.
Cooking instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) and grease a 9 x 13 inch (23 x 33 centimeter) casserole dish.
Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet and brown the ground beef.
Remove the browned beef, and then, in the same skillet, add the diced onions and green peppers, and sauté until softened. Add the garlic and mushrooms and cook for about 3 - 5 more minutes, or until the mushrooms have begun to release their liquid.
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When it is completely melted, whisk in the flour and cook for a minute or two, stirring constantly. Slowly add the milk, whisking the entire time until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, then remove from heat and whisk in the sour cream.
In a large bowl, mix the creamy mixture over the ground beef, add the green beans, salt and black pepper and stir to incorporate.
Pour the beef mixture into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish and flatten with the back of a spoon. Add half of the shredded cheese on top, then layer the tater tots on the cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 - 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are browned, then remove and sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese on top. Put back in the oven for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Allow the casserole to cool before serving.
Recipe Notes
Using a cheese mixtureEven though it adds a little to the prep time, grating your own cheese mixes gives your casserole recipes that flavorsome edge by creating your own unique cheese blend.