Cheesy Beef and Tots Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this Cheesy Beef and Tots Casserole, where savory ground beef meets a blanket of melted cheddar cheese and crisp, golden potato tots. This recipe is a tribute to nostalgia, a dish that conjures memories of family dinners and cozy nights in. Whipping up this delectable, kid-friendly meal is as easy as it is satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights when you want to treat your loved ones without the fuss. In under an hour, you can create a warm, fulfilling dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds, or even thirds!
Are you ready to surrender to your cheesy cravings?
Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and the enticing aroma of savory beef and melting cheese fills your home. It’s the kind of comfort that wraps around you like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Do you ever find yourself longing for a meal that not only satisfies your hunger but also warms your heart? Imagine diving into a gooey, cheesy universe while enjoying the crispy potato tots with every bite. Can you hear that tantalizing crunch followed by the rich, meaty goodness?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheesy Beef and Tots Casserole is incredibly easy to whip up, making it a go-to dinner option for any night of the week. With its minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice chefs can master this dish in no time. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, allowing you to impress guests without the stress of elaborate preparations. This casserole is a kid-approved favorite, ensuring smiles and satisfied tummies all around the table. Plus, with the delightful combination of flavors and textures, every bite is a joyful indulgence that will transport you straight back to childhood.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1 cup frozen peas
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 32-ounce bag frozen potato tots
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Imagine vibrant onions sizzling in olive oil, filling the air with their sweet fragrance, while carrots soften and garlic lends its aromatic kick. Then, the addition of succulent ground beef creates a robust base, enriched further by tomato paste and the special slap of Worcestershire sauce. With seasoning that dances on the palate and the rich, hearty warmth of beef broth, the comforting flavor profile is nothing short of heaven. Topped with a luscious layer of shredded cheddar and crispy potato tots, this casserole becomes a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
Timing
Short on time? The beauty of this Cheesy Beef and Tots Casserole is its fast and indulgent preparation. In just 40 minutes, this comforting dish can go from your kitchen to your table, ready for devouring! Contrast this with other, more involved recipes that invite you to luxuriate over hours of slow cooking for an extravagant feast. Sometimes, though, a quick and delicious casserole is just what you need to satisfy that craving without making dinner a lengthy affair.
Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
- Stir in chopped onion and diced carrots; cook until softened, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute more, awakening its bold flavor.
- Incorporate ground beef, cooking until brown, about 8 minutes while breaking it up with a spoon.
- Mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper, allowing the mixture to cook for an additional 1–2 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture, stirring well to evenly combine.
- Slowly introduce beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, until it starts to thicken, about 5 minutes.
- Fold in frozen peas, cooking for an additional 2 minutes before removing from heat.
- Transfer the meat mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Generously sprinkle the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Arrange frozen potato tots on top in a single, uniform layer.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tots are golden and crispy, creating a beautiful contrast with the bubbling cheese underneath.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot to deliver a steaming plate of indulgent joy.
Nutritional Information
This dish serves up a hearty helping of comfort, with approximately 600 calories per hearty serving, depending on portion sizes. While it can be an occasional indulgence, the combination of protein and vegetables makes it a balanced option for busy families. So go ahead—embrace the joy of good, indulgent food while sharing it with those you love.
Healthier Alternatives
Want to lighten up your Cheesy Beef and Tots Casserole? Opt for lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lower-fat version. If you’re looking to lower the carb content, swap out potato tots for baked sweet potato cubes or zucchini rounds. You can even use a dairy-free cheese alternative alongside a gluten-free flour substitute to satisfy different dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy delight makes an excellent main course, particularly enjoyed at winter gatherings or cozy family evenings. Pair it with a simple side salad to balance out the richness or serve it as a hearty option for potlucks and gatherings. To elevate the experience further, consider topping it with a drizzle of hot sauce or serving ice cream for dessert afterward. What could be better than the contrast of hot and savory followed by cold and sweet?
Common Mistakes
A few common pitfalls can diminish your casserole experience. Overbaking is a frequent issue that can lead to tough tots and a dry filling. Keep an eye on your dish during the final minutes of baking to achieve that golden crisp. If you don’t break up the beef properly while cooking, you may end up with large clumps, which isn’t ideal for texture. Finally, remember to use a sizeable enough dish or you might face spilling issues—nobody wants a messy oven to clean up after such a delicious dinner!
Storing Tips
Made too much? No worries! Store leftover Cheesy Beef and Tots Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick fix. If you want to indulge your craving later on, this casserole can be frozen for up to three months; just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best flavor and texture.
It’s time to whip up this Cheesy Beef and Tots Casserole ASAP!
Don’t wait too long to feast on this cheesy, comforting dish that will quickly become a staple in your home. The kids will adore it, and you’ll find yourself savoring each bite, reminiscing about simpler times. The happiness that floods your kitchen and fills your hearts while making and enjoying this casserole transcends its humble ingredients. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort, warmth, and home.
FAQs
-
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the casserole the night before. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge, then bake it when you’re ready. -
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tots?
Definitely! Just slice them thinly and toss them with olive oil, salt, and spices before layering them on top of the casserole. -
What can I substitute for beef broth?
You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth for a different flavor profile while keeping the dish rich and hearty. -
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just ensure you cover it well, and it can be stored for up to three months. -
What can I serve with this casserole?
A simple green salad or roasted vegetables would pair beautifully, adding freshness and crunch to your indulgent main dish.
Cheesy Beef and Tots Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this Cheesy Beef and Tots Casserole, where savory ground beef meets a blanket of melted cheddar cheese and crisp, golden potato tots.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 32-ounce bag frozen potato tots
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
- Stir in chopped onion and diced carrots; cook until softened, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute more.
- Incorporate ground beef, cooking until brown, about 8 minutes while breaking it up with a spoon.
- Mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional 1–2 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture, stirring well to evenly combine.
- Slowly introduce beef broth, stirring constantly until it starts to thicken, about 5 minutes.
- Fold in frozen peas, cooking for an additional 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Transfer the meat mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Generously sprinkle the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Arrange frozen potato tots on top in a single, uniform layer.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tots are golden and crispy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Can be frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
