Cheesy Tater Tot Beef Bake

Cheesy Tater Tot Beef Bake

A Comfort Food Classic That Everyone Will Love

Cheesy, hearty, and oh-so-delicious, this Cheesy Tater Tot Beef Bake is the perfect recipe when you need something quick, easy, and utterly satisfying. Combining crispy golden tater tots, creamy Velveeta cheese, savory ground beef, and zesty Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, this dish is a guaranteed hit for busy weeknights, family dinners, or potlucks.

What makes this recipe so amazing? It uses just a handful of affordable, readily available ingredients and comes together in under an hour. Plus, it’s kid-friendly and endlessly customizable. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore some tips, tricks, and variations to make this dish even better!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick look at the simple yet flavorful ingredients:

1 bag of frozen tater tots (about 28 oz)
- Tater tots are the star of this dish, offering crispy texture and a golden, crunchy topping.
1 lb ground beef
- The beef adds heartiness and protein to make this a complete, filling meal.
1 block Velveeta cheese (16 oz, cut into cubes)
- Velveeta melts perfectly to create a creamy, cheesy sauce that binds everything together.
1 can Rotel (10 oz, undrained)
- Rotel adds a zesty kick with diced tomatoes and green chilies.
Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Simple seasonings enhance the flavor without overpowering the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the tater tots bake evenly and come out crispy and golden.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add 1 lb of ground beef and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef as it cooks.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.

Step 3: Make the Cheesy Mixture

With the cooked ground beef still in the skillet, add the Velveeta cheese cubes and 1 can of Rotel (undrained).
Stir everything together over medium-low heat until the cheese has completely melted and the mixture is creamy and smooth.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like a little extra spice, you can add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper at this stage.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Pour the cheesy beef mixture into the baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Top with the frozen tater tots, arranging them in a single layer for maximum crispiness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, cheesy masterpiece! Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.