Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

Why Make This Recipe

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a hearty dish that is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. It’s not just tasty; it’s also easy to make. With a combination of ground beef, creamy sauce, cheese, and crispy tater tots, this dish checks all the boxes for comfort food. Plus, it often uses simple ingredients you may already have in your pantry, making it a convenient choice for busy weeknights.

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite spices

Directions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add diced onions and cook until they soften. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices like garlic powder or paprika. Drain any excess fat.
3. Combine with cream sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, mixing well with the beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4. Layer in the casserole dish: Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
5. Add cheese layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
6. Add tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
7. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
8. Add final cheese layer: Remove the casserole from the oven and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Serve this delicious casserole with a side of salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It also pairs well with bread rolls or biscuits. Everyone loves to dig in while it’s hot and cheesy!

How to Store Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.

Tips to Make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

• Add Veggies: Toss in some vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a few drops of hot sauce.
• Cheese Options: Try different kinds of cheese, like pepper jack or mozzarella, for a unique twist.

Variation

You can make a vegetarian version by replacing the ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives. This keeps the dish flavorful and satisfying while making it meat-free.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh instead of frozen tater tots?
Yes, you can use fresh tater tots, but the cooking time may vary. Just make sure they are cooked through and crispy.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole and store it in the fridge before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to enjoy it.

3. Is this casserole kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The cheesy tater tots and beef appeal to most kids, making it a popular choice for family dinners.

Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Omnivore

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Description

A hearty and easy-to-make dish featuring ground beef, creamy sauce, cheese, and crispy tater tots, perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite spices

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add diced onions and cook until softened. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices.
3. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, mixing well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4. Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
5. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
6. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
8. Remove from the oven and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until melted and bubbly.
9. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For an extra kick, add diced jalapeños or a few drops of hot sauce. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American