Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—a warm, cheesy, and crispy dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or lazy Sundays. Combining savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and crunchy tater tots, this casserole is as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Topped with gooey melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Tater Tot Casserole :

1. Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights.
2. Family-Friendly: Everyone loves crispy tater tots and cheesy goodness, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
3. Customizable: Swap out ingredients or add extras to make it your own.

Ingredients For Tater Tot Casserole :

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (28- or 32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions :

Step 1: Preheat Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready by the time your casserole is assembled.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and no longer pink. Break the beef into crumbles as it cooks.
2. Season the beef with salt and pepper, if desired, for added flavor.
3. Once browned, drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Add the Cream of Mushroom Soup

1. Stir the cream of mushroom soup into the cooked ground beef until it’s well combined.
2. Transfer the beef mixture to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
2. Arrange the tater tots in an even layer on top of the cheese.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 35-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Add More Cheese

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
2. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 3 minutes, just until the cheese melts.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

• Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Spoon generous portions onto plates and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish.

Tips for Success :

1. Choose Quality Beef: Use lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to minimize excess grease without losing flavor.
2. Layer Tater Tots Evenly: For maximum crispiness, ensure the tater tots are arranged in a single, even layer.
3. Customize the Recipe: Add sautéed onions, garlic, or mushrooms to the beef for extra flavor. You can also mix in frozen vegetables like peas or green beans.
4. Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Variations :

• Vegetable Boost: Mix in frozen or canned vegetables like corn, green beans, or peas for added nutrition.
• Spicy Twist: Use spicy shredded cheese or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Different Meats: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for the beef.
• Cream Swap: Try cream of chicken or cream of celery soup instead of cream of mushroom for a different flavor.

FAQs :

1. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the covering and bake as directed.

2. Can I Freeze Tater Tot Casserole?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

3. Can I Use Homemade Cream Sauce?

If you prefer to skip canned soup, you can make a homemade version by combining 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 cup milk, and seasoning to taste. Cook until thickened and use as a substitute.

4. How Long Does Leftover Casserole Last?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions :

• Side Dishes: Serve with a fresh green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the casserole.
• Condiments: Add a dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of fresh chives for extra flavor.

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Yield: 6-8

Tater Tot Casserole

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Tater Tot Casserole is the epitome of comfort food—simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (28- or 32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Season with salt and pepper, and drain excess grease.
3. Stir in cream of mushroom soup and spread the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle 1½ cups of cheese over the beef.
5. Arrange tater tots in an even layer on top.
6. Bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes, until tater tots are golden brown.
7. Remove from oven, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and return to the oven for 3 minutes to melt.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition (per serving):Calories: 380 | Carbs: 24g | Fat: 25g | Protein: 18g

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Tater Tot Casserole is the epitome of comfort food—simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family or bringing a dish to share, this classic recipe delivers hearty, cheesy goodness every time. Happy baking!