Easy BBQ Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole: A Cozy Family Favorite
Ah, there’s something undeniably comforting about a bubbling casserole fresh from the oven. It beckons you with its golden, crispy toppings and savory aromas, wrapped in warm memories of family dinners. This Easy BBQ Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole is precisely that—a nostalgic dish that brings people together on cozy evenings or hectic weeknights. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that your family will absolutely adore. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy prep—ready in under an hour!
- A crowd-pleaser that appeals to kids and adults alike.
- Comforting flavors of barbecue and melted cheese create a delicious harmony.
- Versatile—great for potlucks or a cozy family night in.
- Requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy days.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 bag tater tots (approximately 32 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sliced green onions for garnish
How to Make Easy BBQ Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole
Let’s Make It Together:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drain any excess fat and stir in the barbecue sauce, allowing the mixture to melt together beautifully.
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the beef mixture evenly on the bottom for a solid flavor base.
- Layer the tater tots on top of the beef mixture, creating a comforting, crispy blanket.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with green onions if desired before serving.
Delicious Variations to Try
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun ways to customize this casserole:
- Zesty Tex-Mex Twist: Add a can of black beans and some taco seasoning to your beef mixture. Top with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
- Creamy Mushroom Delight: Stir in a can of cream of mushroom soup into your beef mixture for a rich and creamy base.
- Veggie-Loaded Option: Mix in some frozen mixed vegetables like peas and carrots for added nutrients and color.
- BBQ Chicken Alternative: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter twist on this recipe.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: Prepare the beef mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake when needed!
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to use turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative to cater to dietary preferences.
- Leftover Love: This casserole makes great leftovers! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Crispy Tater Tots: For an extra crispy topping, broil on high for the last 2-3 minutes of baking after adding the cheese.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
Calories: 450
Carbohydrates: 35g
Sugar: 5g
Fat: 25g
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 900mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! Prepare the beef mixture a day ahead and assemble it right before baking.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or dietary preferences.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- How long does it last? Enjoy leftovers within 3 days for the freshest taste!
A Cozy Closing Note
This Easy BBQ Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a warm embrace on a chilly evening, a simple way to show love, and a reminder that deliciousness can be comforting yet effortless. It’s perfect for sharing with family, gathering with friends, or simply indulging in while cozying up on the couch. Save this Easy BBQ Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole to your dinner board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
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Easy BBQ Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A cozy family favorite casserole with barbecue flavors and crispy tater tots.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 bag tater tots (approximately 32 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drain any excess fat and stir in the barbecue sauce, allowing the mixture to meld.
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the beef mixture evenly.
- Layer the tater tots on top of the beef mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and return to oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with green onions if desired before serving.
Notes
Make ahead by preparing the beef mixture a day before. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: casserole, comfort food, barbecue, tater tots, family meal