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Tater Tots Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal. This recipe combines crispy tater tots, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy sauce, all baked together for a golden, bubbly finish.
With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this casserole is guaranteed to become a household favorite.
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Kid-Friendly: The crispy tater tots and cheesy goodness make this a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Easy to Make: Minimal prep and pantry-staple ingredients make this a go-to recipe for busy nights.
- Comfort Food Classic: This casserole is warm, hearty, and packed with flavor.
- Customizable: Add vegetables, swap proteins, or tweak the seasonings to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.
What to Serve with Tater Tots Casserole
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad balances the richness of the casserole.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots make great sides.
- Garlic Bread: Add a slice of warm garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw complements the creamy casserole perfectly.
- Pickles: Serve with dill pickles for a tangy contrast.
- Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad works well as a dessert or side.
Tater Tots Casserole
A comforting casserole featuring crispy tater tots, seasoned beef, and creamy sauce, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish).
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Cook for 1-2 more minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until smooth. Stir the mixture into the cooked beef.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the beef mixture. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, let it cool slightly, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave.
- Customizations: Add vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for extra nutrition. Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of soup?
Yes, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup works just as well.
How do I make the casserole extra crispy?
Bake the tater tots for 10 minutes before assembling the casserole to ensure maximum crispiness.
Wrapping it up
Tater Tots Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy, cheesy, and creamy elements into one delicious dish.
Easy to make and endlessly customizable, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. Try this recipe today and bring a little extra warmth to your dinner table!
