Irresistible Tater Tot Casserole Recipe for Busy Nights

Tater tot casserole is a dish that brings back memories of cozy family gatherings and laughter echoing through the house. Imagine golden, crispy tater tots nestled in a creamy, savory mixture of ground beef, cheese, and veggies, all bubbling together like a delicious pot of happiness. The aroma wafts through the air, beckoning everyone to the table, promising a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds sing.

This delightful casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers with friends. It’s easy to whip up and is always a crowd-pleaser. As you serve up this hearty comfort food, you’ll find smiles around the table as each bite transports everyone back to simpler times filled with warmth and good company.

One time I made this dish for a potluck without informing anyone what it was. Watching my friends’ puzzled expressions turn into delight as they took their first bites was priceless.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.

• Tater Tots: Frozen tater tots are the star here; choose your favorite brand for optimal crispiness.

• Cheddar Cheese: Grate fresh cheese for better melting; it adds rich flavor to every bite.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess and depth; consider using low-fat if you’re watching calories.

• Onion: Sautéed onions provide sweetness and texture; yellow onions work beautifully in this recipe.

• Frozen Mixed Vegetables: A colorful mix adds nutrition without much fuss; peas and carrots are classic choices.

• Garlic Powder: A sprinkle enhances all the flavors; fresh garlic can be used for more intensity.

• Salt and Pepper: Don’t forget these essentials for seasoning; adjust according to taste preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large skillet and brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat before moving on to prevent greasiness.

While the meat cooks, chop an onion finely before tossing it into the skillet with the beef. Stir occasionally until the onions become translucent and fragrant—this usually takes about five minutes.

Next, add in the frozen mixed vegetables along with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until combined well and cook for an additional five minutes until everything is heated through.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with half of your grated cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth; this will create that luxurious sauce we all love in casseroles.

Now it’s time to assemble! In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of your tater tots evenly across the bottom. Then layer on your beef-vegetable mixture followed by your creamy cheese mixture. Finally, top it all off with the remaining tater tots and sprinkle any leftover cheese on top for extra cheesy goodness.

Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. The bubbling sounds from inside will have you dancing around while waiting!

Once it’s done baking, let it cool slightly before serving. This will allow those cheesy layers to settle down just enough so you can scoop out generous portions without losing everything onto your plate!

Enjoy digging into this mouthwatering tater tot casserole with family or friends—it’s bound to bring everyone together!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground meat, then add veggies before mixing in soup and tater tots for even cooking. This sequence ensures every bite bursts with flavor.

Add Your Touch

Consider swapping ground beef for turkey or adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or corn. Experiment with different cheeses to create your own signature dish.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for optimal texture.

My first attempt at tater tot casserole resulted in an impromptu family feast, where everyone raved about it! It turned into a cherished recipe that always brings smiles.

FAQ

Can I use frozen vegetables in my tater tot casserole?

Absolutely! Frozen veggies are convenient and will cook perfectly in the casserole.

How do I make my tater tot casserole gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check labels on your tater tots to ensure they’re gluten-free.

What toppings can I add to enhance my tater tot casserole?

Try adding crispy bacon bits or fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor and freshness.

Print

Tater Tot Casserole

---

• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Tater tot casserole is a comforting dish that combines crispy tater tots with a creamy blend of ground beef, cheddar cheese, and colorful veggies. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this hearty meal is not only easy to prepare but also guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, each bite promises nostalgia and warmth, making it a family favorite that everyone will love.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 32 oz frozen tater tots
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas and carrots)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
5. In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup with half of the grated cheddar cheese until smooth.
6. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the tater tots, followed by the beef mixture and creamy soup mixture. Top with remaining tater tots and cheese.
7. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/8 casserole (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, consider adding bell peppers or swapping ground beef for turkey. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.