When it comes to a hearty tater tot casserole, this dish checks all the boxes for comfort food. It features crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, and gooey cheese, all mixed into one satisfying meal.
This Tater Tot Casserole addresses issues like lack of flavor, poor texture, and inadequate crispiness in comfort food recipes, ensuring a satisfying meal experience.
This recipe shines when you need something quick and filling. I often whip it up on busy weeknights or when unexpected friends drop by. I used to struggle with soggy tater tots, but I’ve learned what to do to keep them crispy and flavorful throughout.
It works because you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. Prep takes just 10 minutes, and after a quick bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes, you have a cozy meal ready to serve.
If you want to switch things up with more tater tot goodness, try my Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole for another delicious option!
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Comforting Layers , With juicy ground beef, creamy soup, and layers of melty cheese, you’ll find yourself wrapped in warmth with each spoonful of this cozy casserole.
- Crispy Tater Tot Topping , The golden, crispy tater tots on top create a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the hearty filling, making it hard to resist going back for more.
- Convenient Prep Time , This dish comes together in just 10 minutes, making it a cinch to prepare, so you can enjoy more time with family or friends.
- Leftover Friendly , The casserole stays fresh in the fridge and reheats wonderfully, providing tasty leftovers for days without losing that comforting flavor you love.
Hearty Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Comforting baked casserole of seasoned ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheddar and a crispy layer of tater tots.
Ingredients
-
- 1 pound (454 g) lean ground beef
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 25 ounces (709 g) frozen bite-sized tater tots
- 2 tablespoons (12 g) chives or green onions, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). A well-heated oven ensures even cooking and a golden brown finish.
- Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the minced garlic. Cook until no pink remains in the meat and the garlic releases its aroma, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed to avoid greasiness.
- Step 3: Stir in Soup: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup thoroughly, mixing evenly without cooking the soup down further. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Assemble Casserole Layers: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread the beef mixture evenly on the bottom. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Step 5: Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Bake until you see bubbling around the edges and the tater tots are golden brown. If the tater tots are not crisping up, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) about 20 minutes into baking. To avoid a soggy bottom, you may sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornmeal in the casserole dish before layering the beef mixture.
- Step 6: Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle chopped chives or green onions on top for color and fresh flavor. Serve warm.
Notes
-
- Storage Tips:
– Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Do not leave out longer than this to prevent spoilage.
– Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
– Freezing: Wrap casserole with plastic wrap and foil, place in a freezer container, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. - Expert Tips:
– If the casserole appears dry after baking, add approximately ¼ cup of broth or milk to the beef mixture before baking to maintain creaminess.
– When tater tots are undercooked after baking, cover the casserole with foil and return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes at 350°F (177°C).
– Using lean ground beef reduces greasiness. Drain off excess fat after browning the meat for better texture.
– Properly preheating the oven and evenly layering ingredients helps achieve consistent baking results and keeps the tater tots crisp. - Reheating Instructions:
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to avoid the topping becoming too browned while reheating. - Serving Suggestions:
Serve this casserole alongside a mixed green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. Steamed broccoli or roasted carrots pair well to add color and nutrition. For variation, try adding scrambled eggs and diced bell peppers to turn leftovers into a breakfast hash or include it in breakfast burritos. Top servings with hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream for additional flavor. - Recipe Variations:
– To create a lighter dish, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for different flavor profiles.
– Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup for a different but equally creamy base.
– Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a subtle spicy kick.
– Add defrosted frozen peas for a pop of color and sweetness. - Ingredient Notes:
– Choose frozen, bite-sized tater tots as they crisp up better and hold texture during baking. Avoid soggy or thawed tots prior to assembly.
– Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and prevent a greasy casserole.
– A yellow onion sautéed with the garlic is recommended for added sweetness and depth; chop finely for seamless integration.
– Use high-quality condensed cream of mushroom soup for optimal flavor and creaminess.
– Sharp cheddar cheese shredded evenly melts better and lends robust flavor in every bite.
- Storage Tips:
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ingredient Notes
- Tater tots: Look for frozen, bite-sized tater tots. They’re better for your casserole because they crisp up nicely. Make sure they’re not too soggy; soggy tots won’t hold up well in the dish.
- Ground beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option. It adds protein and heartiness to the casserole. Avoid fatty cuts, as they’ll make the dish greasy.
- Onion: A yellow onion works best for flavor. Chop it finely to blend seamlessly into the beef. Sautéing it first enhances its sweetness, which adds great depth to your casserole.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: This ingredient adds creaminess and flavor. A high-quality brand helps ensure a tasty base; don’t skimp on this part! For a lighter version, consider using creamy mushroom sauce instead.
- Cheddar cheese: Go for sharp cheddar to bring robust flavor! Shredded works better for melting evenly. For a little kick, you might try pepper jack as a substitute.
- Frozen peas: They add a pop of color and sweetness. Make sure to use frozen instead of canned; frozen peas retain more texture and flavor. Defrost them before adding to the mix.
- Tater tots: Look for frozen, bite-sized tater tots. They’re better for your casserole because they crisp up nicely. Make sure they’re not too soggy; soggy tots won’t hold up well in the dish.
- Ground beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option. It adds protein and heartiness to the casserole. Avoid fatty cuts, as they’ll make the dish greasy.
- Onion: A yellow onion works best for flavor. Chop it finely to blend seamlessly into the beef. Sautéing it first enhances its sweetness, which adds great depth to your casserole.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: This ingredient adds creaminess and flavor. A high-quality brand helps ensure a tasty base; don’t skimp on this part! For a lighter version, consider using creamy mushroom sauce instead.
- Cheddar cheese: Go for sharp cheddar to bring robust flavor! Shredded works better for melting evenly. For a little kick, you might try pepper jack as a substitute.
- Frozen peas: They add a pop of color and sweetness. Make sure to use frozen instead of canned; frozen peas retain more texture and flavor. Defrost them before adding to the mix.
Recipe Tips
- If tater tots aren’t crisping up, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) 20 minutes into baking to promote better browning.
- For a soggy bottom, layer 1 tablespoon of cornmeal evenly before adding the beef mixture. This helps absorb excess moisture during baking.
- If the casserole appears dry after baking, add a splash of broth or milk (about ¼ cup) before baking for a creamier texture.
- When tater tots are undercooked, cover the casserole with foil and return it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes at 350°F (177°C).
- If your meat mixture is greasy, drain off excess fat after cooking. This improves the overall texture and flavor of the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve tater tot casserole with a side salad featuring mixed greens and a light vinaigrette. You can also add steamed broccoli or roasted carrots for extra color and nutrition.
Use tater tot casserole to make a breakfast hash by adding scrambled eggs and diced bell peppers. Add this casserole into breakfast burritos or sandwich it between two slices of gluten-free bread.
Top with a drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor. You might consider adding freshly chopped chives or crumbled bacon for a savory finish.
Recipe variations
- You can use ground turkey or sausage instead of ground beef for the base of this tater tot casserole, adjusting cooking times as needed for doneness.
- Add 5 cloves of minced garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste for a flavorful meat mixture before layering the casserole.
- Either cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup can serve as the creamy binding ingredient, ensuring the casserole maintains moisture and richness.
- If making a larger portion, double all ingredients and use an 11×15 casserole dish, extending the baking time to about 50 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Save This Recipe!
How to Store?
To keep your hearty tater tot casserole fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days. Avoid leaving it out longer to prevent spoilage.
Refrigeration: Place casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving again.
Freezing: Wrap with plastic wrap then foil in a freezer container. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
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