If you're looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that's both hearty and easy to make, this Tater Tot Supreme Casserole is just what you need. It's a family favorite that combines savory ground beef, colorful veggies, and a crispy tater tot topping that everyone will love.
Ground beef forms the savory base of this casserole, providing a robust flavor and protein. You can swap it with ground turkey or chicken if preferred. The frozen mixed vegetables add color and nutrition — they're a quick way to pack in vitamins without extra prep work. Cream of mushroom soup acts as the creamy binder that holds everything together, while sour cream adds a tangy richness. A splash of milk helps to smooth out the sauce. Seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper enhance the overall flavor profile. The star ingredient, tater tots, provides a crispy, golden topping that’s sure to win over any picky eater. A final sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully over the tots, while green onions and parsley give a fresh finish.
This casserole is a meal in itself, but you can complement it with a crisp side salad or steamed green beans for a bit of extra green. A dollop of guacamole or a drizzle of hot sauce can also add an exciting twist.
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it's ready to go once your casserole is assembled. Then, take a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until it's browned — this should take about 6-7 minutes. You want to see no pink left.
Once the beef is nicely browned, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Let these spices mingle with the meat for about 2 minutes to really build up the flavor. Now it's time to add the frozen mixed vegetables. Stir them in and let them cook for about 3 minutes until they're just starting to get tender.
In a separate large bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture into your skillet and stir well to coat all the beef and veggies. Once combined, transfer everything into a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Next, arrange the tater tots over the top of the mixture in a single layer. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. After that, pull it out, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return it to the oven for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finally, take your masterpiece out of the oven and garnish with the chopped green onions and parsley. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving so the flavors can settle.