Are you ready to discover a dish that will become an instant family favorite? Dive into the heartwarming world of "America's Most Favorite Casseroles," where comfort food meets convenience! This delightful casserole combines savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, colorful mixed vegetables, and a golden layer of crispy tater tots, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a mouthwatering dish that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters at your table. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your loved ones with a casserole that’s sure to steal the show!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups mixed vegetables
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly throughout the baking process.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 lb of ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This will help keep your casserole from becoming greasy.
- Add 1 can of cream of mushroom soup to the browned beef in the skillet. Stir well to combine, ensuring that the beef is evenly coated with the soup.
- Next, add 2 cups of mixed vegetables to the beef and soup mixture. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned mixed vegetables, depending on your preference. Stir until the vegetables are well incorporated.
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef and vegetable mixture, distributing it evenly to ensure every bite has cheesy goodness.
- Finally, arrange 1 package of tater tots on top of the cheese layer. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the casserole with the tater tots for a crispy topping.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set up a bit.
- Serve warm, and enjoy America's Most Favorite Casserole with your family or friends!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time on busy nights, consider prepping the ingredients in advance. You can brown the ground beef and mix in the soup and vegetables a day before, then simply assemble and bake when you're ready to eat.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices! You can use fresh, frozen, or even leftover veggies from your fridge. Broccoli, corn, or peas can add a delightful twist to the classic recipe.
- Cheese Lovers Unite: If you’re a cheese enthusiast, don’t hesitate to add more than one type of cheese! Mixing cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack can create a deliciously cheesy topping that will elevate your casserole.
- Perfectly Crispy Tater Tots: For an extra crispy topping, bake the casserole uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes. This will help the tater tots achieve that golden-brown perfection everyone loves.
- Rest Before Serving: Let your casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes after baking. This resting period allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors.
- Pair with a Salad: Balance out the richness of the casserole by serving it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. This adds a refreshing touch to your meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 425kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 75mg
