Tater Tot Casserole

If you are looking for a comforting meal that the whole family will love, Tater Tot Casserole is a wonderful choice. This dish combines the savory flavors of ground beef, veggies, and creamy soup, all topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheese. It’s hearty, delicious, and easy to prepare, making it a great weeknight dinner option. In a busy world, this recipe can save you time while still bringing joy to your dinner table.

Why Make This Recipe

Tater Tot Casserole is an excellent recipe to have in your cooking arsenal. Here are a few reasons why you should consider making this dish.

1. Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe doesn’t take long to prepare. You can cook the beef and onions in one skillet while getting your baking dish ready. In less than an hour, you can have a delicious meal.

2. Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike love tater tots. Their crispy texture and satisfying taste make them a fun topping for any dish. The combination of flavors in this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table.

3. Versatile Options: This recipe is highly customizable. You can add different veggies, use different types of cheese, or even switch out the meat if you’re looking for something different.

4. Comfort Food: On a cold day, there’s nothing better than a warm, comforting dish. Tater Tot Casserole fits the bill perfectly. It’s like a big, cozy hug served on a plate.

5. Great for Leftovers: This casserole stores well, making it perfect for meal prepping or serving the next day. You can easily reheat it for lunch or dinner.

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole

Making Tater Tot Casserole is simple and straightforward. Follow the ingredients list and directions below to create this delightful dish in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can (15 ounces) mixed vegetables
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 package (32 ounces) tater tots
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole gets cooked evenly all the way through.

2. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, add the 2 pounds of ground beef and the chopped onion. Cook them over medium heat. Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks. Continue cooking until the meat is no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.

3. Add Vegetables and Soup: Stir in the can of mixed vegetables and the can of cream of mushroom soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well, ensuring that the meat, veggies, and soup are fully combined.

4. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Carefully spread the beef mixture into the dish, ensuring an even layer.

5. Add Tater Tots and Cheese: Top the beef mixture with the tater tots. Make sure to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle the cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the tater tots.

6. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You want the tater tots to turn golden brown and crispy.

7. Serve Hot: Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, serve it hot. Enjoy!

How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole

Tater Tot Casserole can be served in a number of ways:

• As a Standalone Meal: This dish is filling on its own due to the beef, vegetables, and carbs from the tater tots.
• With a Side Salad: To balance the richness, you can add a light salad. A fresh green salad goes nicely with this dish.
• With Garlic Bread: For more comfort food, add a side of warm garlic bread. It can complement the casserole perfectly.

How to Store Tater Tot Casserole

Storing Tater Tot Casserole is easy. Here’s how:

• Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool completely. Cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It should stay good for about 3 to 4 days.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely as well. Transfer the casserole to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, either microwave individual portions or bake the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.

Tips to Make Tater Tot Casserole

Here are some helpful tips to enhance your Tater Tot Casserole experience:

1. Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for leaner ground beef to reduce grease and make the dish a bit healthier.

2. Add Seasoning: In addition to salt and pepper, you can add garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian herbs to elevate the flavor.

3. Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to use frozen or fresh vegetables based on your preference. Things like corn, peas, or even diced bell peppers can add color and taste.

4. Cheese Variety: While cheddar cheese is classic, you can also use mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend for different flavors.

5. Crunchy Topping: If you want an even crunchier topping, consider adding crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top of the tater tots before baking.

Variation

If you want to mix things up, consider these variations:

• Chicken Tater Tot Casserole: Use cooked shredded chicken instead of ground beef.

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the meat with beans or more vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly meal.

• Spicy Touch: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for some heat. This can give your casserole a kick that many will enjoy.

• Different Sauces: Replace the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cheese soup for a different taste.

FAQs

Can I make Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble it, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, just bake it straight out of the fridge, but it may require an extra few minutes in the oven.

Can I use other meats in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to use ground turkey, ground chicken, or a meat substitute if you want to make it healthier or vegetarian.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top. You can also use a thermometer to check that the meat mixture is heated to 165°F (74°C).

Tater Tot Casserole is not only a delicious and easy dish but also a fantastic weeknight meal that can be tailored to your family’s tastes. Enjoy experimenting and making this delightful dish your own!

Tater Tot Casserole

A comforting and delicious Tater Tot Casserole that combines savory ground beef, mixed vegetables, and creamy soup, topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meat and Vegetables

• 2 pounds ground beef Use lean ground beef to reduce grease.
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 can mixed vegetables (15 ounces) Feel free to use frozen or fresh veggies.
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces) Can substitute with cream of chicken or cheese soup.

Toppings

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese You can use mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend for different flavors.
• 1 package tater tots (32 ounces) Cover the entire surface of the beef mixture.
• to taste Salt and pepper Add additional seasonings like garlic powder or Italian herbs for more flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the mixed vegetables and cream of mushroom soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix well.
4. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread the beef mixture evenly in the dish.
5. Top the beef mixture with tater tots, covering the entire surface. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Baking

1. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
2. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving hot.

Notes

Tater Tot Casserole makes great leftovers; store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.