Tater Tot Casserole

$- 32 oz frozen tater tots - 1 lb ground beef (or plant-based alternative) - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) - 1 can cream of mushroom soup - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Spices (paprika, salt, pepper) When I make Tater Tot Casserole, I love to gather my ingredients first. The main ingredients are the stars of the show. The frozen tater tots give that crispy texture we all crave. For the protein, I often use ground beef, but a plant-based alternative works just as well. Next, I chop a medium onion and mince two cloves of garlic. These veggies really bring out the flavor. I also add a cup of frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn. They add color and nutrition to the dish. For the creamy base, I use a can of cream of mushroom soup and a cup of sour cream. This mix makes everything rich and smooth. A cup of shredded cheddar cheese tops it off, giving that melty goodness we all love. Finally, I sprinkle in some spices. Paprika adds a nice touch, while salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. This simple blend of ingredients makes Tater Tot Casserole a hit at any meal. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy! - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - In a large skillet, add 1 lb of ground beef. Cook until it is browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any fat. - Add 1 medium chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté until the onions turn clear, about 3-4 minutes. - Stir in 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables. Cook for another 2 minutes. - In a separate bowl, mix 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of sour cream, and spices: 1 teaspoon of paprika, plus salt and pepper to taste. - Spread the beef and vegetable mix into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. - Layer 32 oz of frozen tater tots on top of the beef. Arrange them in a single layer. - Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots. - Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden brown and crispy top. - Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set. To get that great crisp on your tater tots, follow these tips: - Baking at the right temperature: Always preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the tater tots cook evenly and get golden brown. - Using a single layer of tater tots: Spread your tater tots in one flat layer. This allows hot air to circulate around each tot, giving them that crunchy texture we all love. Want to boost the taste? Here are some simple ways: - Adding different spices: Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or chili powder. These spices can give your dish more depth and warmth. - Incorporating fresh herbs: Fresh parsley, thyme, or chives can brighten up the flavors. Just sprinkle them on top before serving for a pop of color and taste. Pair your tater tot casserole with some great sides: - Recommended side dishes: A simple green salad or steamed veggies work well. They add freshness and balance the richness of the casserole. - Pairing with sauces or dips: Serve it with ranch dressing or hot sauce. This adds a fun twist and lets everyone customize their plate. These tips and tricks will help you create a tater tot casserole that is not only tasty but also a hit with the whole family. For the full recipe, check out Cheesy Tater Tot Delight. {{image_2}} You can make this dish meat-free. Use lentils or a good meat substitute. Lentils add protein and texture. They also soak up flavors well. Some great meat substitutes include tofu or tempeh. For veggies, think outside the box. You can add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. These vegetables boost taste and nutrients. Just chop them up and stir them in with other ingredients. If you need a gluten-free version, swap the soup and tater tots. Use gluten-free soup brands available in stores. You can also find gluten-free tater tots made from sweet potatoes or cauliflower. Keep the flavor strong by using spices. Add herbs like thyme or oregano. These add depth without gluten. For a lighter dish, choose low-fat dairy. Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt. Use low-fat cheese instead of regular cheese. This keeps the creaminess without the extra calories. Be mindful of sodium too. Use low-sodium soup and limit added salt. This small change helps make your meal healthier. For the full recipe, check out Cheesy Tater Tot Delight. I always recommend storing leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the casserole fresh. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. Just make sure it cools completely before sealing it. You can freeze the casserole both before and after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the dish but don’t cook it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can last up to three months in the freezer. If you freeze it after baking, let it cool first. Then, wrap it well and freeze. For thawing, simply move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven to keep it crispy. To reheat, the oven is best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This helps retain moisture. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. To keep the top crispy, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it may make the casserole soggy. Tater Tot Casserole is a fun, hearty dish that many families love. It combines tater tots, ground meat, and creamy soup. This dish likely started in the Midwest of the U.S. It became popular because it's easy to make and very tasty. You can use different meats, veggies, and cheeses. It’s a great way to use what you have at home. This dish is perfect for busy nights or when you want comfort food. Yes, you can prep Tater Tot Casserole in advance. Prepare the meat and veggie mixture a day before. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake. Just layer the tater tots and cheese on top right before baking. You can also freeze it unbaked. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as normal the next day. This makes dinner planning much easier! If you want to add some heat, try these options: - Mix in diced jalapeños or green chilies with the meat. - Use spicy sausage instead of ground beef. - Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the soup mixture. - Top with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. These changes will give your casserole a nice kick! To reheat your casserole, follow these steps for the best taste: - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Place the casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil. - Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. - If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes. This method keeps the tater tots crunchy and the filling creamy. This blog post covered all the tasty details of making Tater Tot Casserole. I shared ingredient lists, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to prep, bake, and store this dish. Plus, I explored variations for veggie lovers and those seeking healthier choices. As you try this recipe, remember it’s simple yet full of flavor. Enjoy your meal with family or friends. With each bite, you'll appreciate the blend of tater tots and savory goodness. Happy cooking!$

Indulge in a comforting Cheesy Tater Tot Delight that's perfect for any occasion! This easy recipe combines crispy tater tots with seasoned ground beef, mixed veggies, and creamy cheddar cheese for a satisfying meal everyone will love. In just 50 minutes, you'll create a dish that's cozy and delicious. Click to explore the full recipe and bring this crowd-pleaser to your dinner table tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots

1 lb ground beef (or plant-based alternative)

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

1 cup sour cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for another 2 minutes.

In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Pour the soup mixture into the skillet and stir until everything is evenly coated.

In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly across the bottom.

Layer the frozen tater tots over the top of the beef mixture, arranging them in a single layer.

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6-8