Tater Tot Casserole

This Tater Tot Casserole recipe is a simple, hearty, and delicious comfort food perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Made with ground beef, onions, garlic, sour cream, and a creamy mushroom soup base, it’s topped with crispy frozen tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. This easy casserole is a crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great option for meal prep or last-minute dinners. Packed with flavor, this dish is customizable with optional add-ins like corn, mushrooms, and bell peppers, making it a versatile and satisfying choice for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for kids or adults, this Tater Tot Casserole is a go-to meal that delivers both comfort and convenience.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (12 ounce) can corn, drained
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 32 ounces frozen tater tots (see note)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Chopped scallions for serving (optional, to taste)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and move the oven rack to the top third of the oven.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onions over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to break up the beef. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. If there’s excess fat, spoon it out.
3. Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning to the skillet, cooking for another minute.
4. Lower the heat to medium and stir in the sour cream, condensed cream of mushroom soup, drained corn, and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined and let the mixture heat through for a minute or two.
5. Transfer the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer. Alternatively, if you have an oven-safe skillet, you can make the casserole entirely in the skillet.
6. Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, and arrange the frozen tater tots evenly on top.
7. Bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbling.
8. Optional: Garnish with chopped scallions and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tater Tot Casserole is a family-friendly comfort food that’s quick, easy, and loaded with flavor. The combination of savory ground beef, creamy soup, corn, and crispy tater tots makes for a satisfying meal that’s both filling and delicious. The cheesy topping adds the perfect finishing touch, and it’s a great way to use pantry staples for a hearty dish.

Tips

• Browning the beef: Make sure to cook the beef until it’s nicely browned to add depth of flavor to the casserole.
• Use your favorite cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different twist.
• Layering: To get a crispy topping, make sure the tater tots are evenly spaced across the top. You can even overlap them slightly for extra crispiness.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like diced bell peppers, frozen peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
• Use different soup: If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, try substituting it with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
• Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots? While the dish won’t have the same crispy texture, you could slice fresh potatoes into rounds and layer them on top for a different take on the casserole.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this hearty casserole with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish.
• It also pairs well with a side of garlic bread or cornbread for a comforting, complete meal.

Suggestions for Leftovers

Leftover tater tot casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If the tater tots lose their crispiness, you can place the casserole under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp them back up.