If you're in the mood for some hearty comfort food, this Homestyle Tater Tot Bake is calling your name. It's the perfect blend of savory beef, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots — all baked to golden perfection. Whether you're feeding a family or just craving some cozy vibes, this dish has you covered.
Ground beef serves as the hearty base, providing rich flavor and protein. Onion and garlic add aromatic depth and a touch of sweetness once sautéed. The cream of mushroom soup brings creaminess and mushroom undertones, while sour cream adds tanginess and thickens the sauce. Cheddar cheese melts into gooey deliciousness, enhancing the bake with sharp, cheesy notes. And the star of the show, tater tots, creates a crispy, golden top layer that’s simply irresistible.
This bake pairs beautifully with a fresh, crisp salad on the side to balance the richness. A simple vinaigrette with some sharp greens does the trick. For a full comfort meal, serve with some buttered rolls to soak up all that creamy goodness.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While that's warming up, grab a skillet and cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. Be sure to break it apart as it cooks to get a good texture. Once the beef is browned, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onion turns translucent and the garlic is fragrant, which should take just a few minutes.
After the sautéing is done, go ahead and drain any excess fat from the skillet. This keeps the dish from getting too greasy. Now, stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream into the beef mixture. Mix it all together until it's well combined, then season with a bit of salt and pepper to taste.
Next, grab a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer. Now for the fun part: arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. Get them nice and snug for an even top.
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes. Once the time's up, pull it out and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Pop it back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving — this helps it set a bit.
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