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Tater Tot Casserole You’ll Crave Forever Recipe

57 Hearty Tater Tot Casserole Tricks You’ll Crave Forever Recipe

5.1 from 22 reviews

This hearty tater tot casserole is a comforting and delicious dish featuring savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this casserole combines simple ingredients for a satisfying meal everyone will crave.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1 pound ground beef

Soup Mixture

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Topping

  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole to a golden finish.
  2. Cook Ground Beef: In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
  3. Prepare Soup Mixture: In a bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well blended creating a creamy sauce.
  4. Assemble Base Layer: Spread the cooked ground beef evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, forming the casserole’s base.
  5. Add Soup Mixture: Pour the soup and seasoning mixture evenly over the ground beef, ensuring the entire surface is covered for flavor and moisture.
  6. Sprinkle Cheese: Evenly distribute the shredded cheddar cheese over the soup layer to create a rich, cheesy middle layer.
  7. Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, covering the entire surface. This will bake into a crispy, golden topping.
  8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps everything set for easier serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a leaner version.
  • Add vegetables like peas or corn to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and color.
  • Use shredded mozzarella or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
  • If you prefer a richer casserole, add a bit more cheese or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
  • Make ahead tip: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate; bake it fresh when ready to eat.

Nutrition

Keywords: tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, comfort food, baked casserole, family dinner recipe