Tater Tot Casserole is a fun and comforting dish that brings together the best of flavors and textures. It combines seasoned ground beef, creamy soup, and crispy tater tots topped with melted cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. With minimal prep and maximum taste, it’s sure to become a favorite!
Why make this recipe
Making Tater Tot Casserole is a great choice for several reasons. First, it’s quick to prepare, making it a time-saver when you’re short on time. Second, it’s a one-dish meal, meaning less clean-up afterward. Finally, its delicious combination of flavors appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal crowd-pleaser. Plus, who can resist crispy tater tots?
How to prepare Tater Tot Casserole
Preparing Tater Tot Casserole is straightforward and fun! With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a delightful dish ready in no time. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain the fat.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and season with salt and pepper.
- In a baking dish, layer the beef mixture, followed by the tater tots on top.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
How to serve Tater Tot Casserole
To serve Tater Tot Casserole, simply scoop out portions and place them on plates. You can garnish with some chopped green onions or a dollop of sour cream if you like. This dish pairs well with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
How to store Tater Tot Casserole
If you have leftovers, you can store Tater Tot Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Tips to make Tater Tot Casserole perfectly
- For extra flavor, consider adding some garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the beef mixture.
- Use a mix of cheeses for a different taste. Cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend works well!
- Make sure to bake the casserole until the tater tots are nice and crispy. Check on it as it bakes!
Variations
You can customize your Tater Tot Casserole in many ways! Here are a few ideas:
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers to the beef mixture for added nutrition.
- Swap the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup or a homemade sauce for different flavors.
FAQ
Q: Can I make Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the casserole, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I freeze Tater Tot Casserole?
A: Yes! You can freeze an unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.
Q: What can I serve with Tater Tot Casserole?
A: It goes great with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or even some garlic bread.
Enjoy making and devouring this delightful Tater Tot Casserole! You’ll love how easy it is to whip up and how popular it becomes at your table.
Tater Tot Casserole
A comforting one-dish meal combining ground beef, creamy soup, and crispy tater tots topped with melted cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until browned. Drain the fat.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup and season with salt and pepper.
- In a baking dish, layer the beef mixture and top with tater tots.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until tater tots are golden brown and cheese is melted.
Notes
For extra flavor, add garlic powder or Italian seasoning. You can use different cheeses for a variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: tater tot, casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, one-dish meal