Description
Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and hearty American dish that is quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion. This dish combines crispy tater tots, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce to create a meal the whole family will love. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a special gathering, this casserole is a guaranteed hit. Plus, it’s highly customizable, allowing you to add vegetables, different proteins, and even spice variations to match your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, Colby Jack, or your preferred cheese)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and slight smokiness)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- ½ cup cooked bacon bits
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for added flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the frozen tater tots in an even layer at the bottom of the greased baking dish. Pour the meat mixture over the tater tots and spread evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the meat mixture. Arrange the remaining tater tots on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Add Cheese Topping: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool & Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite side dishes like a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or a warm dinner roll.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Use a plant-based meat substitute and a mushroom-based soup.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 50-60 minutes.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg