Tater Tot Casserole
Truly the BEST Tater Tot Casserole recipe around! Layers of amazing flavor combine for an easy and delicious dinner any night of the week! This fantastic casserole recipe will quickly become a family favorite! Love casseroles as much as we do? Make sure to try this Twice Baked Potato Casserole and Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole soon!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy dinners are my favorite and I’m a big fan of casseroles, as you well know 🙂 As a mom with two active boys, I’m all about fast and easy dinners that my boys will actually eat. The boys play sports year-round and with me or my husband always running in one direction or another with various practices, our family relies on recipes like this delicious and easy Tater Tot Casserole.
I love this easy tater tot casserole recipe because it takes only a handful of ingredients and most can be found in my pantry. I frequently have ground beef and tater tots in the freezer so this meal is one I can pull together quickly and easily.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- 8 or 9-inch baking dish
- Cooking spray
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (the leaner the better)
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 15 oz can green beans, drained
- 10.75 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Lightly grease an 8 or 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add the onions to the skillet and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for an additional minute.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer ground beef mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with cream of mushroom soup, followed by green beans, followed by the cheddar cheese. Make sure to season the green bean layer.
- Finally, top with tater tots.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until tater tots are golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease in the dish.
- Ensure the tater tots are spread evenly on top for a crispy texture.
- Feel free to add more cheese if you’re a cheese lover like me!
Additional Tips or Variations
For a bit of spice, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. You can also swap out the green beans for corn or peas if you prefer.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 91 mg
- Sodium: 859 mg
- Potassium: 642 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Vitamin A: 865 IU
- Vitamin C: 13.2 mg
- Calcium: 321 mg
- Iron: 3.4 mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is quite filling on its own, but a simple side salad or some garlic bread would pair nicely.
Conclusion
This Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect meal for those busy nights when you need something quick, delicious, and satisfying. With its layers of flavor and comforting ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in your household. I hope you give it a try and share your experience with us. Enjoy!