Can I use ground beef instead of deli roast beef?

Absolutely! Brown about 1.5 pounds of ground beef with some onions and drain well before using it in place of the deli roast beef. You might want to add a little beef bouillon for extra flavor since deli roast beef typically has more seasoning.

My family doesn't like crispy fried onions. Can I leave them out?

Yes, you can omit the crispy fried onions without ruining the casserole. Consider adding about 1/4 cup of finely diced fresh onion to the beef mixture or substituting with 1/2 cup of sautéed onions for flavor.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Most tater tots are naturally gluten-free, but always check the packaging. The main concern would be the cheddar soup and crispy fried onions, which typically contain gluten. Look for gluten-free versions of these products, or make your own cheese sauce with gluten-free thickeners.

How can I make this casserole a bit healthier?

While this is definitely a comfort food indulgence, you can make it a bit healthier by using reduced-fat cheese, adding vegetables to the beef mixture (like finely chopped spinach or grated carrots), and serving smaller portions alongside a large salad or vegetable side dish.

Roast Beef and Cheddar Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Description

This Roast Beef and Cheddar Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and comforting main-course dish featuring tender roast beef, gooey cheddar cheese, crispy fried onions, and golden tater tots. It comes together quickly and is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, delivering classic flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Casserole

14 oz deli sliced roast beef, chopped into 1 inch squares
10.5 oz cheddar soup
1/4 cup ketchup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups French’s crispy fried onions
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
28 oz frozen tater tots

Topping

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it is hot and ready when your casserole is assembled.
Mix Main Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped roast beef, cheddar soup, ketchup, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir well until everything is evenly incorporated.
Add Fried Onions and Cheese – Add the French’s crispy fried onions and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Stir again to evenly distribute all ingredients.
Prepare Baking Dish – Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Assemble Casserole – Pour the roast beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula or spoon.
Add Tater Tots – Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the roast beef mixture, covering the entire surface.
Bake Initial Time – Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 minutes, allowing the casserole to heat through and the tater tots to begin crisping.
Add Cheese Topping – Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
Bake Until Golden – Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
Rest and Serve – Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier.

Notes

You can substitute leftover cooked roast beef instead of deli roast beef for a more homemade touch.
For extra flavor, consider adding chopped green onions or a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.
The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Feel free to use your favorite brand of crispy fried onions or switch to a different cheese blend for a twist on flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1
Calories: 667
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 2155mg
Fat: 37g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 59g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 81mg