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Hearty Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Hearty Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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  • Author: Charlene
  • 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

Scale
    • 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

    1. 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 1
    2. 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 2
    3. 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 3
    4. 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 4
    5. 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 5
    6. 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.
      Step 6

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.

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

Find it online: https://www.bakeitwell.com/tater-tot-casserole/

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