Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
If you're looking for a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and full of nostalgia, this tater tot casserole recipe is a must-try. It’s the ultimate dish that brings warmth, heart, and flavor to your table, all while being super simple to make!
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet or pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned meat and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix the casserole base: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then add the beef and onion mixture. Mix well.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the meat and soup mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Top with tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the casserole mixture, covering it completely.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole, then return it to the oven for 5 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting, cheesy goodness!
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Notes
- Use lean ground beef or turkey: To make the dish slightly lighter, opt for lean ground beef or even ground turkey. This will reduce the fat content without compromising on flavor.
- Don’t skip the cheese: While it may be tempting to cut back on cheese, the melted cheddar on top is what makes this casserole irresistible. It adds a creamy, cheesy layer that’s worth every bite.
- Season to taste: Don’t forget to season your meat mixture with enough salt and pepper to balance the flavors. Feel free to get creative with additional spices, like paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like some heat.
- Tater tots are key: Be sure to use frozen tater tots for the perfect crispy top. Fresh or thawed tater tots won’t achieve the same texture, so stick with frozen.
- Make it ahead of time: Tater tot casserole can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can even freeze it for later use, making it an excellent option for meal prep or busy nights.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Serving Size
300 g
Amount per Serving
Calories
400
% Daily Value*
Fat
25
g
38
%
Saturated Fat
9
g
56
%
Trans Fat
1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
8
g
Cholesterol
90
mg
30
%
Sodium
900
mg
39
%
Potassium
450
mg
13
%
Carbohydrates
30
g
10
%
Fiber
2
g
8
%
Sugar
2
g
2
%
Protein
22
g
44
%
Vitamin A
400
IU
8
%
Vitamin C
2
mg
2
%
Calcium
200
mg
20
%
Iron
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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