It was a chilly Friday evening, and my friends were coming over for a casual dinner. I wanted something warm, comforting, and effortless to prepare. That’s when I remembered my go-to Tater Tot Casserole — a simple dish that never fails to impress. The smell of sizzling ground beef mixed with creamy cheese filled the kitchen, and as soon as I layered the golden tater tots on top, everyone’s eyes lit up. By the time it came out of the oven, bubbling and golden, we couldn’t wait to dig in. This Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing experience perfect for any weeknight or gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Tater Tot Casserole
The Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole is more than just a comforting meal—it’s practical, satisfying, and perfect for busy households. Here’s why it’s a standout:
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this casserole can be ready in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Family-Friendly: Cheesy, hearty, and flavorful, it’s a dish that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize it with vegetables, different cheeses, or meats to suit your taste and dietary needs.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples like tater tots, ground beef, and canned soup, making it an affordable meal option.
- Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prep—you can assemble in advance and bake when needed, saving time on busy days.
- Comfort Food Appeal: Warm, cheesy, and crispy on top, it delivers that nostalgic, comforting taste everyone loves.
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Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole
This Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole is a cheesy, hearty, and easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or potlucks. Golden tater tots on top of a creamy, savory ground beef and cheese filling make it a comforting favorite everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450 g ground beef – or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option
- 1 small onion diced – adds flavor and sweetness
- 2 cloves garlic minced – optional, for extra aroma
- 1 can 10.5 oz / 300 g cream of mushroom soup – or cream of chicken soup for variation
- 1 cup 240 ml sour cream – makes the casserole creamy
- 2 cups 200 g shredded cheddar cheese – plus extra for topping
- 1 bag 32 oz / 900 g frozen tater tots – the crispy topping everyone loves
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Optional add-ins: peas corn, green beans, or bell peppers for extra veggies
- Optional herbs: parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb of ground beef with the diced onion (and garlic if using) until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with 1 can of cream of mushroom soup and 1 cup of sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If adding veggies, fold them in now.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Then layer the frozen tater tots evenly over the cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Optional Extra Cheese: For a cheesier top, sprinkle an additional ½ cup of cheddar over the tater tots in the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Notes
- Choose the Right Meat: Use 85% lean ground beef for a balance of flavor and less grease. Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter option.
- Cheese Options: Cheddar works best, but mixing in mozzarella or Monterey Jack creates extra gooeyness.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Enhance nutrition by adding peas, corn, green beans, or bell peppers.
- Tater Tot Tips: Keep tater tots frozen until layering; this ensures they crisp up nicely while baking.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve for a stress-free meal.
- Freezer-Friendly: The unbaked casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Taste the beef mixture before baking and adjust salt, pepper, or spices to preference.
- Crispier Topping: For extra crunch, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking. Watch closely to prevent burning.