Easy Tater Tot Casserole
Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting dish that brings joy to the dinner table. It’s a simple one-pot meal that satisfies even the pickiest eaters. With layers of savory ground beef, creamy soup, crispy tater tots, and gooey cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why make this recipe
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and requires very few ingredients. Plus, it’s customizable! You can add vegetables, swap out proteins, or adjust the seasoning to your taste. It’s a dish that warms you up and keeps you full.
How to make Easy Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar works well)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: diced onions or bell peppers
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a baking dish.
- Layer tater tots on top of the beef mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
How to serve Easy Tater Tot Casserole
Serve the casserole hot right out of the oven. It pairs well with a simple salad or some steamed vegetables. If you’re feeling adventurous, top it with chopped green onions or a dollop of sour cream for extra zest.
How to store Easy Tater Tot Casserole
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.
Tips to make Easy Tater Tot Casserole
- For extra flavor, add diced onions or bell peppers to the beef while cooking.
- Use different types of cheese for a twist, like mozzarella or pepper jack.
- If you like it spicy, add some hot sauce or chopped jalapeños.
- Consider adding a layer of frozen mixed vegetables to boost the nutrition.
Variation
You can easily switch up the protein in this recipe. Ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute for a vegetarian option works great. Mixing in different kinds of soups, like cream of chicken or cheese soup, can also change the flavor and make it your own.
FAQs
Q: Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
Q: How do I know when the casserole is done?
A: The casserole is done when the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Q: Can I freeze Easy Tater Tot Casserole?
A: Yes! You can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing before, make sure to wrap it tightly. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge and bake until heated through.
Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- 1 bag frozen tater tots Regular or extra crispy tater tots can be used.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup Other soups like cream of chicken can be substituted.
- 1 cup shredded cheese Cheddar works well; can also use mozzarella or pepper jack.
- to taste Salt and pepper
- optional diced onions or bell peppers For added flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a baking dish.
- Layer tater tots on top of the beef mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.