If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s both delicious and easy to make, this Tater Tot Casserole is a must-try! Loaded with crispy tater tots, seasoned ground beef, a creamy sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week. Whether you’re a fan of hearty casseroles or just need a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Prepare – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this a perfect weeknight dinner.
Crowd-Pleaser – Everyone loves the crispy, cheesy goodness of tater tots!
Customizable – You can easily modify the recipe to include your favorite ingredients.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for meal prepping and freezing for later.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
½ cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 (16 oz) package frozen tater tots
Optional Add-Ins:
½ cup frozen peas or corn (for added texture and flavor)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for a deeper flavor)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a slight kick)
Chopped green onions or fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef.
Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic, then sauté for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce for enhanced flavor.
Drain excess grease and remove from heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup and sour cream.
Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Mix the cooked beef into the sauce until well coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.
Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a simple side salad for a balanced meal.
Serve with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
Add a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Enjoy with a warm slice of garlic bread for a complete comfort meal.
Tips for the Best Tater Tot Casserole
Use high-quality cheese for a rich, melty texture.
Don’t overcrowd the tater tots—this helps them crisp up perfectly.
Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months—just bake from frozen at 375°F for about 50 minutes.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: 450 kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great leaner alternative.
Q: What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
A: Try cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different flavor.
Q: How do I make this casserole spicier?
A: Add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra vegetables.
Conclusion
This Tater Tot Casserole is a perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and cheesy flavors that make it a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner, a party, or just to have leftovers for the week, this dish will never disappoint.
Try it out today and let me know how you liked it! 😊🍽️
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