Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you need a satisfying meal. This recipe combines the crispy goodness of tater tots with a creamy, savory filling, and is incredibly easy to put together. Here’s a detailed recipe to guide you through making the ultimate Tater Tot Casserole.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or chicken)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 package (16 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, and green beans)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
For the Topping:
- 1 package (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coat of oil.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
- Add Onions and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the Filling: In the same skillet, stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk. Mix until well combined. Add the frozen mixed vegetables, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture. - Add the Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. You can place them neatly in rows or just spread them out evenly across the surface.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the filling is bubbly.
- Add More Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the tater tots. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese is melted, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve: Cut the casserole into squares and serve hot. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this easy tater tot casserole with your family and friends!
Tips for Success:
- Variations:
- Protein: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian meat substitute.
- Vegetables: Use fresh or leftover vegetables instead of frozen if you prefer. Broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms make great additions.
- Soup: Swap out the cream of mushroom or chicken soup for other varieties like cream of celery or cheddar cheese soup for different flavors.
- Cheese:
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses work well.
- For a spicier kick, add some pepper jack cheese or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Make-Ahead:
- You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply assemble the casserole with tater tots and bake as directed.
- This casserole also freezes well. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, remove the plastic wrap and foil, cover with just the foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60-70 minutes. Remove the foil in the last 15 minutes to let the tater tots crisp up.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables on the side.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
- Dietary Adjustments:
- For a lighter version, use low-fat soups, sour cream, and cheese.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the soups you use are gluten-free varieties.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 980mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 18g
Final Thoughts:
Tater Tot Casserole is a classic dish that’s beloved for its simplicity and deliciousness. It’s a perfect go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when you need a dish that everyone will love. The combination of creamy filling, mixed vegetables, and crispy tater tots is irresistible. Plus, with the ability to customize it to your family’s tastes and dietary needs, it’s a versatile addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy making and sharing this comforting casserole!