Delicious Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tater Tot Casserole combines hearty, familiar ingredients into a delicious and easy-to-make dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something comforting and filling but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. The layers of seasoned beef, green beans, creamy mushroom soup, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots create a perfectly balanced meal. It’s a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults, and best of all, it’s super simple to prepare!

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb lean ground beef (the leaner the better)

• ½ onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon 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

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease an 8 or 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.

2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat.

3. Add the diced onions to the skillet and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until they become translucent.

4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, for an additional minute.

5. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

7. Top the beef mixture with a layer of cream of mushroom soup, followed by the drained green beans (season the green beans with a little salt and pepper), then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beans.

8. Finally, arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the cheese layer.

9. Bake the casserole for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 35 minutes

• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Add vegetables: If you want to add more veggies to your casserole, you can incorporate frozen peas, corn, or even sliced mushrooms in place of or alongside the green beans.

• Use different cheese: Try swapping out cheddar for another cheese like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

• Swap the beef: If you prefer ground turkey, chicken, or sausage, these would all work well as substitutes for the ground beef.

• Make it spicy: Add a few diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick that balances well with the savory flavors.

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different kind of meat for this casserole?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage if you prefer. Just make sure to cook the meat thoroughly before adding it to the casserole.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.

3. What can I serve with Tater Tot Casserole?

This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

4. Can I freeze Tater Tot Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 to 3 months. When ready to bake, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual.

5. Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh green beans. Just blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole.

6. How can I make the casserole spicier?

To make the casserole spicier, you can add chopped jalapeños or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or hot sauce while cooking the ground beef.

7. Can I use a different type of soup for this recipe?

Yes, you can use cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup as a substitute for the cream of mushroom soup.

8. Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein like crumbled tempeh or a meatless ground beef substitute, and use a vegetarian mushroom or cream soup.

9. Can I use frozen tater tots directly from the bag?

Yes, just place them directly from the freezer onto the casserole. There's no need to thaw them first.

10. How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Conclusion

This Tater Tot Casserole is a guaranteed winner for busy nights when you need a quick, easy, and filling dinner. With layers of seasoned beef, creamy soup, crisp tater tots, and melted cheese, it’s a comforting and hearty dish everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s customizable to your preferences, making it a versatile and go-to recipe for any occasion!

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This Tater Tot Casserole is loaded with layers of savory flavor, featuring seasoned ground beef, green beans, creamy mushroom soup, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots for a hearty and comforting meal.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef

½ 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease an 8 or 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat.
3. Add the diced onions to the skillet and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until they become translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, for an additional minute.
5. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
7. Top the beef mixture with a layer of cream of mushroom soup, followed by the drained green beans (season the green beans with a little salt and pepper), then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beans.
8. Finally, arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the cheese layer.
9. Bake the casserole for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• For added flavor, you can swap the cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
• Feel free to add vegetables like peas, corn, or mushrooms to increase the veggie content.
• Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a day before baking.
• For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 45mg