If you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying dish that is simple to prepare, look no further than our easy tater tot casserole. This delightful recipe combines crispy tater tots with savory ingredients to create a meal that’s sure to please the whole family. In just a few steps, you can whip up this hearty casserole that works perfectly for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings with friends. With its golden-brown top and warm filling, it’s not only appealing but also packed with flavor.

this recipe

Main Ingredients

• Ground Beef
  Use 1 pound of 80/20 ground beef for a juicy, flavorful base. Brown the beef and drain excess fat before adding it to the casserole.

• Tater Tots
  You’ll need 32 ounces (2 bags) of frozen tater tots. Their pre-cooked, crispy exterior adds great texture to the casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup
  Two 10.5-ounce cans of cream of mushroom soup add creaminess and umami. You can substitute with cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce if preferred.

• Cheddar Cheese
  Two cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese add gooeyness and flavor. Mix half into the beef and sprinkle the other half on top for a golden crust.

• Onion
  One finely chopped medium onion adds sweetness and depth. Cook with the beef for best flavor.

• Seasonings
  Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional paprika for added flavor. Adjust to taste.

How to Prepare Easy Tater Tot Casserole

First Step: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and a crispy tater tot topping. Get everything ready while the oven heats.

Second Step: Cook Ground Beef and Onions
In a skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef for 6-8 minutes until browned. Add 1 chopped onion and cook for 4 more minutes until translucent. Drain excess fat to avoid greasiness.

Third Step: Mix in Cream Soup and Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until fully combined.

Fourth Step: Assemble Layers
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the tater tots. Top with the beef mixture, then sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese. Add the rest of the tater tots on top.

Fifth Step: Bake Until Golden Brown
Bake for 30-40 minutes at 375°F (190°C), until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Keep an eye out during final minutes so nothing burns; if browning too quickly cover loosely using aluminum foil until done!

Serving  Tips

• Be cautious of steam when cutting the casserole.
• Pair with a crisp green salad and vinaigrette for freshness.
• Serve with fruit bowls for a sweet contrast.
• Plate individual servings on warm tortillas for a casual handheld option.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a better presentation.

Mistakes to avoid

• Using Lean Meat: Lean ground beef or chicken can dry out. Opt for ground beef with fat for a juicier texture and season poultry properly for flavor.

• Uneven Tater Tot Layer: Tater tots should be evenly spread across the casserole. Avoid piling them in one spot to ensure uniform crispness.

• Skipping Pre-cooking Vegetables: Sauté vegetables like onions or peppers before adding them to the casserole to enhance flavor and prevent excess moisture.

• Overbaking: Overbaking leads to burnt edges and a dry casserole. Keep an eye on the cooking time and check for doneness regularly.

Suggestions for Easy Tater Tot Casserole

• Homemade Sauce: Swap store-bought cream of mushroom soup for a homemade sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and seasonings for a fresher taste.

• Add Veggies: Incorporate vegetables like corn or spinach for added nutrition, color, and flavor without compromising texture.

• Cauliflower Tots: For a low-carb twist, replace traditional tater tots with cauliflower tots to reduce carbs while maintaining texture.

• Picky Eaters: Let family members choose their favorite toppings or mix-ins, such as diced jalapeños or olives, to make the meal more fun.

• Serve with a Side: Pair the casserole with a side salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal that complements the richness of the casserole.

FAQs

• What is Easy Tater Tot Casserole?
  A comforting dish with ground meat, crispy tater tots, and creamy sauce, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

• Can I make Easy Tater Tot Casserole in advance?
  Yes, you can assemble it ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake later in the day or the next day.

• What type of meat works best for Easy Tater Tot Casserole?
  Ground beef is ideal, but ground turkey or chicken are great lighter alternatives—just make sure to season well!

• Can I customize my Easy Tater Tot Casserole recipe?
  Absolutely! Add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms, or swap cheeses to suit your taste.

• How do I store leftovers from my Easy Tater Tot Casserole?
  Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

• Is there a vegetarian version of Easy Tater Tot Casserole?
  Yes! Replace meat with lentils or crumbled tofu, and use vegetable broth to maintain flavor.

Quick and Easy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Easy Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines savory ground beef, creamy soup, and crispy tater tots. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for busy weeknights or family meals!

 

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1. 1 lb ground beef
2. 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
3. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4. 1/2 cup milk
5. 1 tsp garlic powder
6. 1 tsp onion powder
7. 1/2 tsp salt
8. 1/2 tsp black pepper
9. 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

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Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
• In a bowl, combine the cooked beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Pour the beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the beef mixture in an even layer.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
• Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• For extra flavor, you can add some cooked vegetables (like peas or corn) to the beef mixture.
• Swap the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different twist.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes