Ground Beef 'N Tater Casserole
A hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef, green beans, creamy tomato soup, mashed potatoes, and crispy fried onions, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked beef, green beans, condensed tomato soup, water, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Prepare mashed potatoes and mix in half of the French fried onions.
- Spoon the potato mixture in a mound around the top outer edge of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 25 minutes.
- Top with shredded Cheddar cheese and remaining French fried onions.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese melts and onions are crispy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider mixing in some sour cream or cream cheese with the mashed potatoes. If you don't have green beans, any frozen mixed vegetables or corn can be substituted. To save time, use pre-made mashed potatoes or leftovers from another meal. If you want a bit of heat, add a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This Ground Beef 'N Tater Casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a light coleslaw to balance the richness. For a fun twist, try incorporating flavors from American recipes like Mini Burgers or Potato Burger Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ground Beef 'N Tater Casserole contains roughly 708 calories, with 16g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value), potassium (34% of the Daily Value), and protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1590mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat in this casserole?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute can work well in this recipe. Just ensure to cook the meat thoroughly and adjust seasoning as needed since different meats have varying flavors.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of condensed tomato soup?
If you don't have condensed tomato soup, you can substitute it with an equal amount of crushed tomatoes mixed with a tablespoon of tomato paste or use homemade tomato sauce. Just keep in mind that the flavor might vary slightly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).