Looking for a delicious and easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this amazing Tater Tot Casserole! Packed with flavor and simple to make, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy tater tots creates a mouthwatering dish that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple ingredients, you can have this casserole ready for the oven in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Perfect for meal prep: This dish reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping lunches or dinners for the week ahead.
Ingredient Notes:
- Lean ground beef: Adds protein and flavor to the dish. You can also use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute.
- Onion and garlic: These aromatics add depth and flavor to the casserole.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Provides a creamy and rich base for the dish. You can use cream of chicken or celery soup as alternatives.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the filling.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory and umami flavor to the dish.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: A convenient way to add veggies to the casserole. Feel free to use your favorite blend.
- Cheddar cheese: Adds a cheesy, gooey topping to the casserole.
- Frozen tater tots: The star of the show! Crispy, golden tater tots give this dish its classic comfort food appeal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is softened.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, frozen vegetables, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with a layer of frozen tater tots.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tater tots and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown.
Helpful Tips:
- To make this dish ahead of time, assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- For a crispy topping, broil the casserole for a few minutes after baking.
- Customize the vegetables to your liking by using your favorite frozen blend or fresh veggies.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Brown the ground beef well for maximum flavor.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a creamier texture.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions:
This Tater Tot Casserole pairs perfectly with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or a side of garlic bread. For drinks, try serving it with a crisp white wine or a cold beer.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of meat in this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian crumbles for the ground beef. - Can I make this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! Simply assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. - Can I freeze this casserole?
While you can freeze this casserole, the tater tots may become soggy upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Conclusion:
With its delicious flavors, easy preparation, and versatility, this Tater Tot Casserole is a must-try recipe for any occasion. Give it a go and let us know how you like it!
Print
BEST Tater Tot Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BEST Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, mixed vegetables, and tater tots, all topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- 32-ounce bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook the beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the beef mixture, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, mixed vegetables, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the beef mixture in a baking dish. Arrange the tater tots on top in a single layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can customize this casserole by adding different vegetables or using different types of cheese.
- Feel free to add seasonings like salt, pepper, or herbs to enhance the flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg