Mediterranean Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole
This Mediterranean twist on a classic American comfort dish blends savory ground beef, cheesy béchamel-style sauce, briny olives, roasted red peppers, and a dash of herbs—all crowned with crispy golden tater tots. It’s rich, flavorful, and brings a Mediterranean flair to a family-friendly casserole. Perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or a cozy weeknight dinner!
Time Breakdown:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: 50–55 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients:
For the Beef Mixture:
1 lb (450g) ground beef (85% lean)
1 small red onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup chopped kalamata olives
1/2 cup chopped roasted red bell peppers (jarred or homemade)
1 cup baby spinach, chopped (optional)
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Cheesy Sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk (or any milk of choice)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup shredded cheddar or kasseri cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Topping:
1 (28–32 oz) bag of frozen tater tots
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar for topping
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Mixture:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add the chopped onion and garlic; cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Stir in oregano, cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Mix in olives, roasted red peppers, and spinach (if using). Cook another 1–2 minutes until spinach wilts.
Remove from heat and stir in crumbled feta cheese. Set aside.
2. Make the Cheesy Mediterranean Sauce:
In a saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux.
Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
Stir in mozzarella and cheddar (or kasseri), and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Remove from heat once melted and smooth.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spread the beef mixture evenly at the bottom.
Pour the cheesy sauce over the beef layer.
Top with an even layer of frozen tater tots.
Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese on top.
4. Bake:
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Tips:
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Crispier Top: Broil the last 3–5 minutes for an ultra-crispy tater tot topping.
Add Veggies: Zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant can be finely chopped and sautéed with the beef.
Cheese Swap: Try kasseri, fontina, or gouda for a more Mediterranean melt.
Spice Level: Add harissa paste or chili flakes to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
Variations:
Vegetarian: Replace beef with lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Chicken Version: Use ground chicken or turkey with the same spices and sauce.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour for the cheese sauce and ensure gluten-free tater tots.
Creamier Version: Add 1/4 cup Greek yogurt to the cheese sauce for tang and creaminess.
Low-Carb: Substitute tater tots with cauliflower tots or mashed roasted cauliflower on top.
Q&A:
Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of roasted red peppers?
A: Yes! Drain them first to avoid excess moisture, or sauté briefly before adding.
Q: Can I freeze the casserole?
A: Yes, assemble, wrap well, and freeze up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 60 minutes.
Q: What can I serve this with?
A: A side Greek salad, tzatziki sauce, or lemon-herb couscous balances it perfectly.
Q: How do I make it dairy-free?
A: Use plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and omit the feta (or use dairy-free feta).
Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving — 1/6th of casserole):
Calories: ~480 kcal
Protein: ~23g
Fat: ~30g
Carbohydrates: ~28g
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~4g
Sodium: ~890mg
(Values may vary depending on brands and exact ingredient choices.)
Conclusion:
This Mediterranean Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole combines the nostalgic comfort of a tater tot bake with the robust, herbaceous flavors of the Mediterranean. It’s hearty yet layered with fresh flavor from olives, feta, and roasted peppers. Whether you’re looking for a cozy winter dinner or an exciting twist on a classic dish, this casserole delivers bold flavor, easy preparation, and crowd-pleasing appeal.