Description
This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. It combines ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy tater tots topped with melted cheddar cheese for a delicious, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Canned Goods
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Frozen and Fresh
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is fully browned and the onion softens, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from being too oily.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, allowing the garlic to release its aroma and flavor without burning.
- Mix Soup and Seasonings: Combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, salt, black pepper, and paprika into the beef mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add Cheese: Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the beef and soup mixture, helping to bind the flavors and add richness.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture for even crispiness.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots for a cheesy crust after baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes after baking to settle. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon or chopped green chiles before baking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option.
- This casserole reheats well, making it ideal for leftovers and meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
