Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It’s loaded with ground beef, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots, making it a favorite among kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Cream of chicken soup
- Frozen tater tots
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Milk
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper
- Green onions (for garnish, optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until melted.
- Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Use a meat substitute or add more veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers.
- Healthier Version: Use low-fat soups, turkey instead of beef, and reduced-fat cheese.
- Extra Crunch: Top with crushed potato chips or fried onions before baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave in short intervals.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Yes, but they should be pre-cooked or parboiled to ensure even cooking.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate overnight before baking.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or a cheese blend works well too.
Can I use different types of soup?
Yes, feel free to experiment with cream of celery or even cheddar soup.
How do I prevent soggy tater tots?
Make sure to bake uncovered so the tots crisp up properly.
Is this casserole kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the crispy tater tots and cheesy flavors.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Peas, carrots, and green beans make great additions.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great lighter alternative.
What should I serve with this casserole?
It pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Use dairy-free soups, cheese, and a plant-based milk substitute.
Conclusion
This Easy Tater Tot Casserole recipe is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. Try different variations to suit your taste and enjoy a warm, crispy, and cheesy meal!
PrintEasy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Tater Tot Casserole is a simple, hearty meal made with ground beef, creamy sauce, cheese, and crispy tater tots. It’s a budget-friendly dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you need a cozy comfort food!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Cook for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the beef.
- Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it Creamier: Add ½ cup sour cream to the beef mixture.
- Spice it Up: Mix in ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a little kick.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in ½ cup frozen peas, corn, or green beans before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best texture.
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