Tater tot casserole is a classic comfort food that combines layers of tater tots, seasoned ground beef, cheese, and cream of mushroom soup. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make tater tot casserole from scratch, with simple ingredients and easy steps. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a crowd, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients for Tater Tot Casserole
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 pound frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Tater Tot Casserole
Preparing the Casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and cook until the onion is soft and translucent. Drain any excess grease.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked ground beef and onion with the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread the ground beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with a layer of frozen tater tots.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
About the Main Ingredients
Tater Tots
Tater tots are grated and deep-fried potatoes shaped into small cylinders. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, adding a delicious texture to the casserole.
Ground Beef
Ground beef is a staple protein in this dish. It is cooked with onions and seasoned, adding flavor and heartiness to the casserole.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Cream of mushroom soup serves as the creamy base of the casserole, providing richness and flavor. It also helps bind the ingredients together.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is sprinkled on top of the casserole, adding a gooey, cheesy layer that melts into the tater tots and ground beef.
Enjoy Your Tater Tot Casserole!
This tater tot casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this recipe is sure to please. Serve it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will love.
