Why Make This Recipe
Tater Tot Casserole is a beloved comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any meal. This dish is easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With its hearty blend of ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy tater tots, it’s a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite vegetables and cheese!
How to Make Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: vegetables like corn or green beans
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and season with salt and pepper.
- In a baking dish, spread the beef mixture evenly.
- Top with a layer of tater tots.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the tater tots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy your comfort food!
How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole
Tater Tot Casserole is best served hot out of the oven. You can serve it as a main dish, alongside a simple salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. This dish is hearty enough to stand alone; however, adding a side of your favorite dipping sauce can enhance the flavors!
How to Store Tater Tot Casserole
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
Tips to Make Tater Tot Casserole
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or herbs like thyme and oregano to the beef mixture.
- Use different types of cheese for a unique twist; pepper jack or mozzarella work well!
- If you like your casserole a bit spicier, add jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Variation
You can easily customize the casserole by swapping out the ground beef for turkey or chicken. Adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or even broccoli can boost the nutritional value and add more color to the dish.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Yes, you can replace tater tots with thinly sliced or parboiled potatoes. However, cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on them as they bake.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a meat alternative or skip it altogether. Just make sure to add plenty of vegetables and maybe some beans for protein.
Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with turkey or chicken.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice) Use different types like pepper jack or mozzarella for variety.
- 1 bag frozen tater tots Can be replaced with thinly sliced or parboiled potatoes.
- to taste Salt and pepper
- Optional: vegetables like corn or green beans Add for extra nutrition and color.
Method
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and season with salt and pepper.
- In a baking dish, spread the beef mixture evenly.
- Top with a layer of tater tots.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the tater tots.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy your comfort food!