Easy Tater Tot Casserole
Why Make This Recipe
Easy Tater Tot Casserole is a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a comforting family meal. It brings together simple ingredients that most people have in their kitchens. The combination of crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, and melted cheese is always a hit for both kids and adults. It’s especially great when you need a quick meal that requires minimal prep time. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal, which makes cleanup a breeze!
How to Make Easy Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar works well)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: diced onions or bell peppers
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a baking dish.
- Layer tater tots on top of the beef mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Easy Tater Tot Casserole
Easy Tater Tot Casserole is great as a main dish. Serve it hot right out of the oven. You can pair it with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables to add a healthy touch. For extra flavor, consider adding toppings like sour cream, chives, or hot sauce.
How to Store Easy Tater Tot Casserole
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole will keep well for up to three days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also use the microwave for a quicker option.
Tips to Make Easy Tater Tot Casserole
- Feel free to add diced onions or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
- You can use different types of cheese if you prefer, such as mozzarella or pepper jack.
- For a spicier version, add in some jalapeños or use spicy sausage instead of ground beef.
Variation
You can easily make a vegetarian version by replacing the ground beef with a mix of beans or lentils. Using cream of celery soup instead of cream of mushroom is another great variation.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Yes, you can slice fresh potatoes and season them, but they may take longer to cook than frozen tater tots.
2. Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked casserole. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and freeze. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the fridge before baking. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.
Easy Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with spicy sausage for added flavor.
- 1 bag frozen tater tots Use fresh potatoes if preferred, but may increase cooking time.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup Cream of celery soup can be used for variation.
- 1 cup shredded cheese Cheddar works well, but mozzarella or pepper jack can be used.
- to taste Salt and pepper Season to personal preference.
- Optional diced onions or bell peppers Add for extra flavor and nutrition.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a baking dish.
Assembly
- Layer tater tots on top of the beef mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the tater tots.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Easy Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with spicy sausage for added flavor.
- 1 bag frozen tater tots Use fresh potatoes if preferred, but may increase cooking time.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup Cream of celery soup can be used for variation.
- 1 cup shredded cheese Cheddar works well, but mozzarella or pepper jack can be used.
- to taste Salt and pepper Season to personal preference.
- Optional diced onions or bell peppers Add for extra flavor and nutrition.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a baking dish.
Assembly
- Layer tater tots on top of the beef mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the tater tots.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
