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!
Best Tater Tot Casserole
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.
You may have had a Tater Tot Casserole before and chances are you were less than impressed. There are so many variations out there but I truly believe that this one is the best.
I make my tater casserole with green beans but if I don’t have those on hand, my second favorite is a tater tot casserole with corn. Both are delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Tater Tot Casserole is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and is a hit with the entire family. The blend of creamy mushroom soup, savory beef, and crispy tater tots makes it a comforting and satisfying meal.
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
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
For a crispier top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Ensure you season each layer to enhance the overall flavor. Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables like corn or peas for added nutrition.
Additional Tips or Variations
Consider adding a layer of cooked bacon bits for extra flavor. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For a spicy twist, mix in some diced jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 91mg
- Sodium: 859mg
- Potassium: 642mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 865IU
- Vitamin C: 13.2mg
- Calcium: 321mg
- Iron: 3.4mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Conclusion
This Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect go-to meal for busy families or anyone craving a comforting, delicious dish. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out for you! We’d love to hear your variations or any special touches you add. Happy cooking!
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