There’s something about a Tater Tot Casserole that feels like a warm hug from the inside. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together. It’s hearty, creamy, and topped with crispy tater tots. Who doesn’t love that? This dish makes a fantastic weeknight dinner, and it’s perfect for impressing friends or family when they come over.
The best part? It’s super simple to make. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this cozy recipe!
why make this recipe
Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It combines ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and gooey cheddar cheese all topped with crispy tater tots. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and easy to prepare. Plus, this dish is customizable. You can add veggies or switch up the proteins. It’s a great way to clear out the fridge while still serving something delicious!
how to make Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag of tater tots
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat!
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a baking dish.
- Layer the tater tots on top of the beef mixture get creative with the arrangement!
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots. More cheese is always a good idea!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy your comfort food!
how to serve Tater Tot Casserole
This casserole is great on its own, but you can serve it with a simple side salad for some freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can add a fun kick too. Let your guests dig in and savor every bite!
how to store Tater Tot Casserole
If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Tater Tot Casserole
- Feel free to swap out the beef for turkey or even a plant-based alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option.
- You can add some veggies like peas or corn for extra color and nutrition.
- If you love spices, consider adding garlic powder or paprika to the beef mixture for added flavor.
variation (if any)
You can easily change this up! Try using different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy twist or experiment with different types of tater tots like seasoned or even sweet potato tots. The possibilities are endless!
FAQs
Can I make Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and keep it in the fridge for a day before baking.
Can I use frozen tater tots?
Absolutely! That’s actually what you want to use. They are perfect for this recipe!
How do I know when the casserole is done?
You’ll know it’s done when the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. A little bubbling around the edges is a good sign too!
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Tater Tot Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A comforting casserole with ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, gooey cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag of tater tots
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a baking dish.
- Layer the tater tots on top of the beef mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to swap out the beef for turkey or a plant-based alternative. Add veggies for extra nutrition. Consider adding garlic powder or paprika for flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: casserole, comfort food, Tater Tots, ground beef, cheese
