Tater Tot Casserole: A Quick and Comforting Family Meal
Short introduction
Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to the dinner table. This simple recipe uses ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and, of course, crispy tater tots, making it a winning combination for busy weeknights. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also offers a delightful mixture of flavors that everyone in the family will enjoy.
Why you’ll love it
Tater Tot Casserole is a favorite for many reasons:
- Quick to make: It can be prepared in under an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Family-friendly: With its cheesy goodness and crispy topping, kids love it just as much as adults do.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand, allowing for creativity in the kitchen.
- Comfort food: This dish hits the spot when you crave something warm and comforting on a chilly evening.
Ingredients
To make Tater Tot Casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (12 ounce) can corn, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped scallions for serving (optional)
Substitutions & key variations
You can easily modify this recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences:
- Protein alternatives: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Vegetarian version: Replace the ground beef with black beans or cooked lentils.
- Different vegetables: Mix in some frozen mixed vegetables or fresh spinach for added nutrition.
- Cheese choices: Experiment with different melted cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy twist.
Step-by-step
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and arrange the oven rack to the top third of the oven.
Step 2
In a large skillet, combine the ground beef and chopped onions over medium-high heat. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3
Add the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning to the skillet and cook for about a minute until fragrant.
Step 4
Lower the heat to medium, then stir in sour cream, condensed cream of mushroom soup, drained corn, and about 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
Step 5
Transfer the beef mixture to a greased 9×13 casserole dish and spread evenly.
Step 6
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the beef mixture and top with frozen tater tots, covering the surface evenly.
Step 7
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 8
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then top with chopped scallions and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Success tips
- Temperature: Make sure the dish reaches a hot and bubbly state for the best texture.
- Texture: For crispy tots, avoid covering the casserole while baking.
- Common mistakes: Don’t skip preheating the oven or the dish may not cook evenly.
How to serve
Serve Tater Tot Casserole hot from the oven. You can garnish it with chopped scallions for a touch of freshness. This dish pairs nicely with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables to balance out the meal.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for quick eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the casserole in advance, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze Tater Tot Casserole?
A: Absolutely! Bake it first, then let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly and freezing for up to three months.
Q: What can I serve with Tater Tot Casserole?
A: It pairs well with a salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Q: Is there a gluten-free version?
A: You can use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version with gluten-free ingredients.
Q: Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Combine the ingredients in a slow cooker and top with tater tots. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until heated through.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This casserole is hearty and filling, providing a good balance of protein and carbohydrates. For a healthier version, consider using leaner meats and adding more vegetables.
Conclusion
Tater Tot Casserole is a delightful dish that brings comfort and joy to mealtime. Its ease of preparation and flexibility with ingredients makes it a perfect choice for busy families. Give it a try, and you may find it becoming a regular in your dinner rotation!
Links to related recipes
- Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Ground Beef and Potato Bake
- Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Tater Tots
Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces)
- 1 can corn, drained (12 ounces)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for serving Chopped scallions (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and arrange the oven rack to the top third of the oven.
- In a large skillet, combine the ground beef and chopped onions over medium-high heat. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning to the skillet and cook for about a minute until fragrant.
- Lower the heat to medium, then stir in sour cream, condensed cream of mushroom soup, drained corn, and about 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a greased 9x13 casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the beef mixture and top with frozen tater tots, covering the surface evenly.
Baking
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then top with chopped scallions and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.