Description
A comforting hearty casserole that combines savory ground beef with creamy cheeses, earthy mushrooms, and crispy tater tots. This one-dish meal is perfect for family dinners and brings together classic flavors in an easy-to-make format.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 packet (1 oz) Italian dressing mix
- 7 cups frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Sprinkle Italian dressing mix over the beef and stir thoroughly to coat.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth until smooth.
- Transfer the seasoned beef to the baking dish and spread evenly.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the beef, smoothing it out to cover all areas.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top of the casserole.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the tater tots.
- Bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes until tater tots are golden and filling is bubbling.
- Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispness.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to prevent lumps in the sauce
- Can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated – add 10 minutes to baking time if cold
- For extra flavor, sauté onions or garlic with the beef
- Add shredded cheese over creamy mixture before tater tots for more richness
- Can be frozen unbaked for up to 3 months – thaw overnight before baking
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for variations
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: beef casserole, tater tot casserole, comfort food, family dinner, easy recipe, one dish meal, ground beef recipe