Tater Tot Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect blend of savory, creamy, and crunchy, all in one dish. The crispy tater tots provide the ideal topping, while the rich beef filling underneath offers comfort and flavor in every bite. It’s an incredibly easy recipe that can be made in a single pan, and the leftovers are just as good, making it a great make-ahead meal. It’s also customizable, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or seasonings for an extra twist on this classic.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

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

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cheddar cheese soup

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

(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). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. When it’s fully cooked, drain any excess grease and return the beef to the skillet.

3. Add the seasonings: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the onion softens. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Add the soups and milk: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, and milk. Mix well until the ingredients are combined and the mixture is creamy.

5. Assemble the casserole: Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom.

6. Add the tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture, covering the entire surface.

7. Bake the casserole: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.

8. Optional cheese topping: If you’re using shredded cheddar cheese, sprinkle it over the top of the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking, allowing it to melt and become bubbly.

9. Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with a meatless crumbles or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

• Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans into the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.

• Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or some hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.

• Cheese: Experiment with different cheese soups or add more shredded cheese for a cheesier dish.

Storage/Reheating

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

• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just pop it into the oven and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes of bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.

2. Can I freeze Tater Tot Casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. To freeze, prepare the casserole as directed but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

3. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

Yes, you can use thinly sliced or diced potatoes in place of tater tots. Just be sure to cook them until they’re crispy or partially cooked before layering them on top of the casserole.

4. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. You can follow the same steps to cook the meat.

5. Can I use a different type of soup?

If you prefer, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery, cream of chicken, or even a vegetable soup for a different flavor.

6. Can I make a low-fat version of this casserole?

You can reduce the fat by using lean ground beef, low-fat or fat-free soups, and a reduced amount of cheese or a lower-fat version of cheese.

7. How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. You can check the beef mixture to ensure it’s bubbly and heated through.

8. Can I use homemade tater tots instead of frozen?

Yes, if you prefer homemade tater tots, you can make your own and use them in place of frozen tots. Just ensure they are pre-cooked before adding them to the casserole.

9. How spicy is this casserole?

This casserole is not inherently spicy, but you can easily add spice by including chili powder, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.

10. Can I make a smaller batch?

Yes, you can easily cut the recipe in half and bake it in an 8×8-inch baking dish. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

Conclusion

Tater Tot Casserole is a comfort food classic that brings together all the flavors you love in one easy-to-make dish. With a crispy tater tot topping, savory beef filling, and creamy base, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s hearty, customizable, and sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick and satisfying dinner, this casserole is the ultimate go-to comfort food!