Looking for an easy, comforting dinner the whole family will love? This 5-Ingredient Ground Beef and Vegetable Casserole is the perfect solution!
With hearty beef, creamy soup, mixed veggies, gooey cheese, and crispy tater tots on top, it’s a simple, no-fuss meal that’s big on flavor and short on prep time.
Great for busy weeknights or lazy weekends!
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (12 oz) bag frozen mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, corn, and green beans)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
3 cups frozen tater tots
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain excess grease.
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and frozen mixed vegetables.
Spread the beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Top evenly with shredded cheddar cheese, then layer the tater tots over the top.
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until tater tots are golden and crispy.2
To store your Ground Beef and Vegetable Casserole:
Refrigerator:
Let the casserole cool completely.
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer to an airtight container.
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
For longer storage, let it cool completely, then wrap the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or portion it into freezer-safe containers.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Tip: If you plan to freeze it before baking, assemble everything except the tater tots, then add them just before baking.
To Reheat:
From fridge: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes, or until heated through. Microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes.
From freezer: Thaw overnight in the fridge if possible, then reheat as above.
If baking straight from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 45–60 minutes, uncovering the last 15 minutes to crisp the tots.
Variations:
Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef.
Veggie Boost: Add sautéed onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Soup Options: Substitute cream of mushroom with cream of chicken, cheddar cheese soup, or even a can of tomato soup for a tangy twist.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Cheese Switch-Up: Try mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend for different flavors.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Let kids help layer the tater tots on top—makes it fun and gets them involved!
Tips:
Crispier Tots: For extra crunch, bake the tater tots separately for 10–15 minutes before adding them to the top of the casserole.
Make-Ahead: Assemble up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Even Cooking: Spread ingredients evenly in the pan to make sure everything heats through uniformly.
Leftover Magic: Leftover casserole makes a great filling for wraps or stuffed into bell peppers the next day.
Per Serving (1/6 of casserole):
Calories: ~430
Total Fat: ~25g
Saturated Fat: ~11g
Cholesterol: ~75mg
Sodium: ~750mg
Total Carbohydrates: ~30g
Dietary Fiber: ~3g
Sugars: ~3g
Protein: ~22g
Note: Nutrition may vary depending on the specific brands and exact quantities used (especially for the soup, cheese, and tots).
For a more accurate breakdown, I can help you run it through a nutrition calculator using your exact ingredients.