Why Make This Recipe
Tater Tot Casserole is a fun and easy dish that everyone loves. It brings comfort and joy to the dinner table. This recipe is quick to prepare and uses simple ingredients that you probably have at home. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a crowd-pleaser. Plus, who can resist crispy tater tots on top of a savory beef mixture?
How to Make Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
- 25 ounces frozen tater tots
- 2 tablespoons chives or green onions (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Mince the garlic.
- In a pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the garlic until cooked (no pink remains).
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the can of soup. Season with salt and pepper.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch pan. Layer the meat mixture at the bottom, sprinkle on the grated cheese, and add the frozen tater tots on top.
- Bake at 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) for 35-40 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Top with chives or other fresh herbs, and serve warm.
How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole
Serve Tater Tot Casserole while it’s hot, right out of the oven. You can pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. This dish also works great for potlucks and gatherings, as it can easily be cut into portions for serving.
How to Store Tater Tot Casserole
If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool down and then store it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
Tips to Make Tater Tot Casserole
- Use lean ground beef to make the dish a bit healthier.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like peas or corn, into the meat mixture.
- For extra flavor, you can mix in some spices or herbs with the ground beef.
Variation
You can try using different types of cheese in this recipe, like pepper jack for a spicy kick. You can also substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
FAQs
Can I make Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture and layer it in the pan, then cover and refrigerate it. Just add the tater tots before baking.
Can I freeze Tater Tot Casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. When you’re ready to cook it, just bake it from frozen; it may take a little longer to cook through.
What can I serve with Tater Tot Casserole?
This dish goes well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Mince the garlic.
- In a pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the garlic until cooked (no pink remains).
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the can of mushroom soup. Season with salt and pepper.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch pan.
- Layer the meat mixture at the bottom, sprinkle on the grated cheese, and add the frozen tater tots on top.
- Bake at 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) for 35-40 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Top with chives or other fresh herbs, and serve warm.