Get ready to transform your dinner game with the most irresistible comfort food that'll have everyone begging for seconds! This Barbecue Beef Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect blend of hearty ground beef, tangy barbecue sauce, and crispy golden tater tots that create a mouthwatering explosion of flavors in every single bite. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that requires minimal effort, this recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that combines the best of American comfort cuisine.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 cups tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains and the meat is fully cooked, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef using a colander to remove unnecessary grease.
- Return the beef to the skillet and add chopped onions. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent and slightly softened.
- Pour barbecue sauce over the beef and onion mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine and ensure the meat is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture, covering the entire surface.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to set.
- Serve hot, portioning out approximately 1 cup per serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, use a smoky barbecue sauce or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Ensure you drain the ground beef thoroughly to prevent a soggy casserole.
- Use frozen tater tots straight from the freezer for the crispiest texture.
- For a more complex flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the beef.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- If you want to make it ahead, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- For a lighter version, use lean ground beef and low-fat cheese.
- Customize by adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 75mg
