Tater Tot Casserole Recipe:
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, cheesy Tater Tot Casserole fresh from the oven. This Tater Tot Casserole recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you crave a hearty and satisfying meal.
Equipment
- Skillet
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 10.75 ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 32 ounce package frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Substitutions: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. For a vegetarian option substitute the ground meat with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Explore 5 Genius Variations of Tater Tot Casserole for Every Diet for more ideas.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat Oven and Brown Ground Beef. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Step 2: Combine Ingredients. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper. Combine well. Ground beef, onion, and soup mixture being combined in a skillet
- Step 3: Assemble the Casserole. Spread the ground beef mixture in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with frozen tater tots. A casserole dish layered with ground beef mixture and topped with frozen tater tots.
- Step 4: Bake and Add Cheese : Bake for 20 minutes, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Tater Tot Casserole baking in the oven with melted cheese.
Notes
Tips and Tricks:
For extra flavor, try browning the ground beef with diced onions and garlic. You can also add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of paprika. To make it ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight. Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. Learn more about meal prepping with this recipe in our guide: Meal Prep Mastery: How to Make and Freeze Tater Tot Casserole. Variations:
Get creative with your Tater Tot Casserole! Add different vegetables like chopped broccoli, corn, or green beans. Try different cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack. You can even make a Mexican-inspired version with taco seasoning and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Check out 5 Genius Variations of Tater Tot Casserole for Every Diet for more inspiration. FAQ:
Q: Can I use fresh tater tots instead of frozen?
A: While you *can* use fresh, frozen tater tots are recommended for best results. They maintain their shape better during baking and create a crispier texture. Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover Tater Tot Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Q: Can I freeze Tater Tot Casserole?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole (without baking) and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before baking. Q: What sides go well with Tater Tot Casserole?
A: A simple green salad or steamed vegetables are great accompaniments to Tater Tot Casserole.
For extra flavor, try browning the ground beef with diced onions and garlic. You can also add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of paprika. To make it ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight. Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. Learn more about meal prepping with this recipe in our guide: Meal Prep Mastery: How to Make and Freeze Tater Tot Casserole. Variations:
Get creative with your Tater Tot Casserole! Add different vegetables like chopped broccoli, corn, or green beans. Try different cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack. You can even make a Mexican-inspired version with taco seasoning and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Check out 5 Genius Variations of Tater Tot Casserole for Every Diet for more inspiration. FAQ:
Q: Can I use fresh tater tots instead of frozen?
A: While you *can* use fresh, frozen tater tots are recommended for best results. They maintain their shape better during baking and create a crispier texture. Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover Tater Tot Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Q: Can I freeze Tater Tot Casserole?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole (without baking) and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before baking. Q: What sides go well with Tater Tot Casserole?
A: A simple green salad or steamed vegetables are great accompaniments to Tater Tot Casserole.