Listen up folks – this ain't your average tater tot hotdish. This one's got some real oomph to it, and I've been making it long enough to know what works.
Start with 2 pounds of good lean ground beef (don't skimp here – you want the good stuff that doesn't shrink to nothing) and a pound of fresh green beans – those frozen ones just won't cut it. Grab yourself a big bag of tater tots too – you'll need about 32 ounces.
Now, what makes this special is how you put it all together. Brown that beef until it's got some nice color on it – you want those crispy bits for flavor. Season it well while it's cooking. Those green beans need to still have some snap when you're done, nobody wants mushy vegetables.
The real trick? Layer everything just so, and don't smoosh those tater tots down when you put them on top. They need room to get golden and crispy. Trust me on this – I've made this more times than I can count, and keeping those tots crispy makes all the difference in the world.
This isn't fancy cooking, but it's good, solid food that'll stick to your ribs and make enough for leftovers too. And between you and me, it's even better the next day.
Recipe
Green bean tater tot casserole combines the comfort of classic casseroles with hearty ground beef and crispy potato goodness. This family-friendly dish transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that pleases both children and adults alike, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its versatility and ease of preparation. While maintaining the essential elements of ground beef, green beans, and crispy tater tots, the dish can be customized with different seasonings and add-ins to suit various tastes. The layers of flavors meld together during baking, creating a harmonious combination of textures and tastes.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound frozen tater tots
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, drained
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Brown the ground beef with diced onions in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain excess fat. In a 9×13 baking dish, combine the cooked beef mixture with cream of mushroom soup, drained green beans, and seasonings. Top with an even layer of shredded cheese, then arrange the frozen tater tots in rows on top. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
For best results, avoid overcrowding the tater tots to guarantee they become crispy during baking. The casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated before baking, though you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover with foil for the remainder of the cooking time to prevent burning while ensuring the center is heated through.
This hearty casserole combines three classic comfort foods – green beans, tater tots, and ground beef – into one satisfying dish.
A modern spin on the traditional green bean casserole, this version adds seasoned ground beef and replaces the usual fried onions with crispy tater tots for a crowd-pleasing twist.
The recipe emerged during the convenience food movement of the 1950s, when home cooks began incorporating frozen and pre-made ingredients to create quick, filling meals for their families. Today, it remains a popular choice for potlucks, family dinners, and weeknight meals when time is short but appetites are big.
Conclusion
Got a winner for you with this Green Bean Tater Tot Casserole – it's what I call proper stick-to-your-ribs cooking. Now, I always grab 2 pounds of good lean ground beef (none of that super fatty stuff), a bag of those tater tots (they need to be frozen stiff), and fresh green beans if you can get them.
Listen, there's no fancy business here – just honest, filling food that'll feed a crowd and taste even better the next day. Layer everything nice and proper, sprinkle in your seasonings (I like plenty of black pepper and a good pinch of garlic powder), and pop it in at 375°F until those tater tots turn golden brown and crispy on top.
Been making this one for years, and let me tell you – it's never let me down at potlucks or family suppers. The trick is letting those flavors get friendly with each other in the oven. When those tater tots get all crispy and the beef mixture starts bubbling up around them, you'll know it's ready. Simple as that.