Tater Tot Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this Tater Tot Casserole because it’s so simple to prepare but still feels like a comforting, filling meal. The creamy, flavorful beef mixture paired with the crispy tater tots on top creates a perfect combination of textures. It’s also extremely versatile—there are many ways to add your own personal touch, whether it’s adding vegetables or extra seasonings. Plus, it’s quick enough to make on a busy night and always gets rave reviews from everyone at the table!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup

• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

• 1 (16 ounce) package frozen tater tots

• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s completely browned and crumbly (about 7-10 minutes). Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

3. Transfer to baking dish: Once the beef mixture is well combined and heated through, transfer it into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the mixture out evenly.

4. Add tater tots and cheese: Layer the frozen tater tots evenly over the beef mixture. Then, sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese on top of the tater tots.

5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole is hot throughout.

6. Serve and enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm, but leftovers are just as delicious!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 servings and takes about 45 minutes to make—5 minutes for prep and 40 minutes for cooking.

Variations

• Add Vegetables: I can toss in frozen peas, corn, or even diced bell peppers when cooking the ground beef for a more well-rounded meal.

• Use Different Soups: If I don’t have cream of mushroom soup, I can substitute with cream of onion or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile.

• Spicy Kick: If I like a little heat, I can add a dash of hot sauce, chili powder, or crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover Tater Tot Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, I simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through, or I can microwave individual portions.

FAQs

Can I freeze Tater Tot Casserole?

Yes, I can freeze this casserole before baking. To freeze, prepare the casserole as directed, but don’t bake it. Instead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 4 months. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 50 minutes, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Yes! While Cheddar cheese works wonderfully, I can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a cheese blend if that’s what I have on hand.

How can I make this casserole more flavorful?

To add more flavor, I can sauté onions or garlic with the ground beef, or even mix in some Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or a packet of ranch seasoning for extra zing.

Can I use fresh tater tots?

Frozen tater tots are recommended for this recipe since they crisp up nicely during baking. If I use fresh or homemade tater tots, I may need to adjust the cooking time to get them crispy.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! I can easily double this recipe and bake it in a larger dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed; it may take a little longer to bake if the casserole is thicker.

Conclusion

Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect dish when I want something quick, comforting, and crowd-pleasing. The combination of ground beef, creamy soup, and crispy tater tots creates a meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s so versatile—easy to tweak with different veggies or seasonings based on what I have on hand. Whether I’m making it for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing it for a family gathering, it’s always a hit!

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