Tater Tot Casserole is a fun and easy dish that brings comfort to any meal. It’s a hearty mixture of ground beef, creamy soup, and cheesy goodness, all topped with crispy tater tots. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you crave a delicious and filling meal.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make Tater Tot Casserole because it’s simple and quick to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can create a satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy. It’s also versatile; you can adapt it based on what you have on hand, making it a great last-minute dinner option. Plus, who can resist the crunch of tater tots?
How to Prepare Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 package tater tots
- 1 small onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.
In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper together until well combined.
Spread the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
Top the mixture with tater tots evenly across the surface.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the tater tots.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Tater Tot Casserole!
How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole
Serve Tater Tot Casserole hot, right out of the oven. You can place it on a family-style serving table or dish it out onto individual plates. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Store Tater Tot Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.
Tips to Make Tater Tot Casserole Perfectly
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease and make the dish a bit healthier.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like peas or corn, for extra nutrition and flavor.
- For an extra cheesy casserole, increase the amount of cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake until the tater tots are crispy; this will give the dish a wonderful texture.
Variations
You can try different variations of Tater Tot Casserole by switching out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cheese soup. You can also swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Adding spices such as garlic powder or paprika can give it a nice kick!
FAQ
1. Can I make Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just assemble it and cover it until you’re ready to bake.
2. Can I freeze Tater Tot Casserole?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
3. What should I serve with Tater Tot Casserole?
It’s great on its own, but pair it with a fresh salad or steamed veggies to balance the meal.
Tater Tot Casserole
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A fun and easy Tater Tot Casserole featuring ground beef, creamy soup, and cheesy goodness topped with crispy tater tots.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 package tater tots
- 1 small onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper together until well combined.
- Spread the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Top the mixture with tater tots evenly across the surface.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the tater tots.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Tater Tot Casserole!
Notes
Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American