Tater Tot Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tater Tot Casserole is easy to make, incredibly filling, and packed with comforting flavors that will make you feel right at home. The crispy tater tots on top add a satisfying crunch to the creamy beef and vegetable filling, making every bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s highly customizable, so you can add or swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, for a lighter version)

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

3. Add the vegetables and seasonings: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are heated through.

4. Mix the creamy filling: In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Stir until smooth. Add this mixture to the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Mix everything together, then stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

5. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom.

6. Top with tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the casserole, covering the filling completely.

7. Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.

8. Add cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions before serving, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 40-45 minutes

• Total time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

• Make it spicy: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the casserole before baking for a spicy twist.

• Vegetarian version: Use plant-based ground meat or lentils as a substitute for the ground beef. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra texture.

• Swap the cheese: Use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack for more flavor.

• Add bacon: Crumbled bacon adds an extra layer of savory flavor. Sprinkle it on top before baking or mix it into the filling.

• Use a different soup: If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a cheese-based soup.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Tater Tot Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, just pop it in the oven and bake as instructed.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh vegetables work great in this recipe. If you’re using fresh, you may need to sauté them first to soften them up before mixing them into the casserole.

Can I make Tater Tot Casserole with ground turkey?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative to ground beef. It will still provide the same texture and flavor, but with less fat.

How do I make Tater Tot Casserole gluten-free?

To make this casserole gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free cream soup (such as gluten-free cream of mushroom) and check that your tater tots are gluten-free.

Can I freeze Tater Tot Casserole?

Yes, Tater Tot Casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.

Can I use regular potatoes instead of tater tots?

While tater tots give a unique texture and flavor, you can substitute them with sliced potatoes or hash browns. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh potatoes may take a bit longer to cook.

How do I make this casserole dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the cheese, sour cream, and cream soup with dairy-free alternatives. You can use dairy-free cheese, vegan sour cream, and a plant-based cream soup for the filling.

Can I add more cheese on top?

Definitely! You can add as much cheese as you like for a gooey, cheesy topping. Use a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese you prefer.

Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes! To make it in a slow cooker, brown the ground beef and veggies in a skillet, then combine everything in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, adding the tater tots and cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining the crispy, golden tater tots with a creamy, savory filling. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or taking it to a potluck, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it out and enjoy a warm, hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion!

Tater Tot Casserole

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Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together crispy tater tots, seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and savory vegetables in one hearty dish. It’s the kind of meal that everyone loves, with its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd, this casserole is a guaranteed hit!

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: undefined
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: undefined
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, for a lighter version)

1 small onion, chopped

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)

1/2 cup sour cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are heated through.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Stir until smooth. Add this mixture to the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Mix everything together, then stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom.
6. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the casserole, covering the filling completely.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
8. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions before serving, if desired.

Notes

• Feel free to add a bit of hot sauce or chili flakes for extra spice.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils and use plant-based cheese and sour cream.
• For a more indulgent casserole, you can mix in some crumbled bacon or sausage with the beef.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg