Tater Tot Casserole

Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that combines crispy tater tots, creamy sauce, ground beef, and melted cheese into one irresistible meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings, this casserole is easy to make and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A simple, one-pan meal that’s quick to prepare.
• Kid-friendly and great for picky eaters.
• Uses pantry staples for an easy and budget-friendly dish.
• Perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead.

Ingredients

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

• Ground beef or turkey
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
• Milk
• Worcestershire sauce
• Frozen tater tots
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: Frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Meat: In a skillet, cook ground beef with diced onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess grease.
3. Make the Sauce: Stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Add optional frozen vegetables if using.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef mixture in the baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and arrange tater tots in a single layer.
5. Bake: Cook for 30-35 minutes until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
6. Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
• Breakfast Casserole: Use breakfast sausage instead of beef and add scrambled eggs.
• Healthier Option: Use ground turkey and low-fat cheese.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Mix extra cheese into the beef mixture for a gooier filling.
• BBQ Twist: Swap Worcestershire sauce for BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked or fully cooked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

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

Tater tots give the best crispy texture, but you can use cubed or shredded potatoes.

3. What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

Cream of chicken, cream of celery, or a homemade white sauce works well.

4. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make great additions.

5. How do I keep tater tots crispy?

Bake uncovered and avoid overcrowding them in the dish.

6. Can I use a different meat?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage are great substitutes.

7. What cheese works best?

Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or Colby Jack also work well.

8. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding the tater tots in the last hour.

9. Is this casserole gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free soup and check that your tater tots are gluten-free.

10. Can I make it vegetarian?

Use plant-based crumbles or beans instead of ground beef.

Conclusion

Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious, hearty, and family-friendly meal that’s easy to make with simple ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a potluck, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it today and enjoy a comforting classic!

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