Tater Tot Casserole

Prep Steps

• 1 yellow onion {do:dice}
• 2 cloves garlic {do:mince}

Brown the Beef

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat...

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Add and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, 4–5 minutes...

• 1 yellow onion, diced

Stir in...

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground beef

Cook, breaking the beef into small crumbles, until browned and cooked through, 6–8 minutes. Drain off the excess fat.

Make It Creamy

Option: Quick Canned Soup {id:sauce.canned}

The classic shortcut, just like Grandma made it.

Remove from the heat and stir in until evenly combined...

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Option: From-Scratch Mushroom Sauce {id:sauce.scratch, cooktime:+8, cal:+50, protein:+2, carbs:+2, fat:+4, sodium:-270}

No can. A quick, savory cream sauce made right in the skillet.

Scoop the beef into a bowl and set it aside. Return the skillet to medium heat and melt...

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

Add and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and their liquid has cooked off, 5–6 minutes...

• 8 oz baby bella mushrooms{tip:Baby bella, cremini and brown mushrooms are the same mushroom: a young portobello. Stores just label them differently. White button mushrooms work too, with a milder flavor.}, finely chopped

Sprinkle over and stir for 1 minute...

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

Slowly whisk in...

• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup beef broth

Simmer, stirring often, until thick enough to coat a spoon, 2–3 minutes. Remove from the heat, return the beef to the skillet, and stir in...

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Layer & Bake

Spread the beef mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish and sprinkle evenly with...

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Arrange over the top in an even layer...

• 32 oz frozen tater tots

Finish with...

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Bake until the tots are golden and crisp and the filling is bubbling at the edges, 35–45 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.