Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this casserole delivers big on flavor and can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables, seasonings, or even cheese.

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Why You’ll Love This Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

• Comforting & Hearty: This casserole is the ultimate comfort food, with layers of creamy, crispy, and savory goodness.
• Quick & Easy: It requires only a few ingredients and minimal prep, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s great for feeding a large family or a group, and everyone loves the crispy tater tots on top.
• Customizable: You can easily add vegetables, cheese, or spices to suit your taste.

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Key Ingredients for Tater Tot Casserole

1. Ground Beef

• Ground beef provides a hearty, flavorful base for the casserole. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

2. Cream of Mushroom Soup

• Cream of mushroom soup adds richness and creaminess to the casserole. You can also use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.

3. Frozen Tater Tots

• Frozen tater tots form the crispy topping that makes this casserole so delicious. They bake up golden and crunchy, adding texture to the dish.

4. Cheddar Cheese

• Shredded cheddar cheese adds a rich, melty layer of flavor. You can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for variety.

5. Onion

• Diced onion adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor to the ground beef mixture.

6. Seasonings

• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder help season the beef and enhance the overall flavor of the casserole.

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How to Make Tater Tot Casserole

This easy tater tot casserole recipe is simple to follow and results in a crispy, creamy, and flavorful dish that everyone will love. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

• In a large skillet, cook 1 lb of ground beef and 1 diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole Filling

• In the same skillet, add 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture is heated through.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

• Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. If you like, sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of cheese over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Serve

• Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

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Tips for Making the Best Tater Tot Casserole

1. Use Frozen Tater Tots

• Don’t thaw the tater tots before baking. Using them straight from the freezer ensures they get extra crispy on top.

2. Drain the Beef

• Be sure to drain any excess fat from the cooked beef to avoid a greasy casserole.

3. Add Vegetables

• For a more complete meal, you can stir in a can of drained green beans, corn, or mixed vegetables with the beef mixture.

4. Cheese Variations

• Feel free to switch up the cheese. A combination of cheddar and mozzarella or even pepper jack can add different flavors and textures.

5. Make It Ahead

• You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

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Recipe Variations

1. Vegetable Tater Tot Casserole

• Add 1 cup of frozen or canned vegetables (like green beans, corn, or peas) to the beef mixture for a veggie-packed version.

2. Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

• Add an extra cup of shredded cheese to the top of the casserole for a super cheesy version.

3. Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

• Swap the cream of mushroom soup for enchilada sauce, and add 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning to the beef mixture. Top with cheddar and serve with salsa and sour cream.

4. Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole

• Use breakfast sausage instead of ground beef, and whisk together 6 eggs to pour over the beef mixture before adding the tater tots for a hearty breakfast casserole.

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FAQs: Tater Tot Casserole

1. Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?

• Yes! Ground turkey or chicken is a lighter alternative to ground beef and works perfectly in this casserole.

2. How Do I Store Leftover Tater Tot Casserole?

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

3. Can I Freeze Tater Tot Casserole?

• Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

4. What Can I Serve with Tater Tot Casserole?

• Serve the casserole with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

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