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Tater Tot Casserole

Tater Tot Casserole
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Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, hearty, and easy-to-make dish combining crispy golden tater tots with creamy, savory layers of ground meat, vegetables, and cheese. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this versatile casserole is kid-friendly, budget-conscious, and highly customizable to fit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey (lean options recommended)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or cheese blend
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen or fresh vegetables (peas, corn, or green beans)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika or dried thyme (optional)

Optional Variations & Additions

  • Diced jalapeños or hot sauce for spicy kick
  • Taco seasoning, black beans, corn, cilantro, and avocado for Mexican style
  • Sweet potato tots instead of regular tater tots for health-conscious version
  • Low-fat cheese and lean ground turkey as healthier swaps
  • Cream cheese or extra shredded cheese for cheesy explosion

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: Brown the ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they are fragrant and translucent. Drain any excess fat, then season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs like paprika or thyme.
  2. Mix in the Creamy Base and Vegetables: Stir in the cream of mushroom or chicken soup along with your choice of frozen or fresh vegetables until everything is well combined and coated in creamy sauce.
  3. Layer the Casserole: Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese over the mixture, then top with a generous and even layer of frozen tater tots.
  4. Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the casserole for 30-40 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the filling is bubbling.
  5. Let It Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes to set the layers. This makes it easier to scoop and serve hearty portions.

Notes

  • Pre-cook tater tots for 10 minutes prior to topping for extra crispiness.
  • Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning meat to get a better sear and flavor.
  • Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley at the end to brighten flavors.
  • Mixing sharp cheddar with mozzarella cheese balances flavor and meltiness.
  • Resting time after baking firms up the casserole for neater servings.
  • Can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready or baked first and reheated.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tater Tot Casserole, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Family Meal, Ground Beef Casserole, One Dish Meal, Gluten Free Option, Kid Friendly

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/tater-tot-casserole/