Easy Tater Tot Casserole: Your New Favorite Comfort Food!

    

    Whether you’re in the mood for something convenient, quick and cheap or if you simply crave a meal that tastes incredibly good, you’re in the right place. This heaping Easy Tater Tot Casserole recipe is a total comfort food staple: crispy, comforting tater tots with browned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese galore. Who doesn’t love a fuss-free family meal though? Well, that’s exactly what this recipe is; it only takes 10 minutes of preparation time!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

     Do you recall if your family was a part of the casserole craze popular in the united states during the 20th century? I guarantee you will leap from your chair cursing yourself for having eaten this tater tot casserole. It’s loaded with calcium, protein and excessive amounts of fat & carbs; it also comes with those square shaped potato pucks known as tater tots. Plus, it’s incredibly affordable. Essentials that are easily found in every pantry household form a powerful combination that will leave your guests stunned.

    This recipe is specially Midwestern in origin and casseroles are a common feature in pot luck parties and family gatherings. It is relatively affordable, and kid-friendly, an ideal meal for outdoor meals or feeding a large group of people or just the family dinner.

Is This the Same as a Tater Tot Hotdish?

    Well, that really depends with the people you are will, you see! It is generally a dish of the Midwest, particularly Minnesota. A hotdish typically includes a starch, meat, canned or frozen veggies, and canned soup. This tater tot casserole fits the bill, but specific recipes can vary from family to family. Whatever you call it, this version is sure to be a hit!

What You’ll Need

Ground beef 

Use ground beef that is 90% lean or higher to get the right texture of the burger and desired flavor.

Onion and garlic

These flavors make up the savory foundation. Choose the Vidalia (sweet) onion or the yellow one, and you are welcome to enhance the garlic portion.

Worcestershire sauce

This gives it the savory taste you wouldn’t want to miss out on.

Italian seasoning

This is a blend of dried herbs found in supermarkets in the spice section.

Sour cream

Enhances the taste with a slight sour taste and adds a creaminess to the dish.

Condensed mushroom soup

This is just another hack that helps to combine all the ingredients and add some extra taste.

Corn

Canned corn is easier to use since it is already pre-cooked.

Cheddar cheese

It is advisable to grate your own cheese to achieve the best melting quality.

Tater tots

It is preferable to use the best branded tater tots for the best crunchy topping.

Pro Tip

Tater tot package sizes are not fixed, and depending on the size and shape of the baking dish, some may not be used. Store the original packaging and put the remainder into the freezer for use the next time round.

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole

3. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 casserole dish and spread it around.

4. Shake the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture and place the cooked tater tots.

5. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees until tater tots are golden brown. Optional garnish with scallions before serving.

Can I Make It Ahead?

    Absolutely! Cook all parts up to the step of putting the tater tots in. Refrigerate for 4+ hours overnight, then put the tater tots in right before baking to avoid the dish becoming mushy. When the batter comes directly from refrigerator, then it may need a couple of minutes extra to bake. It can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 3 months although freezing is recommended. Only add the tater tots when you are ready to bake, and not put in together with the other elements.

Substitutions and Variations

- Replace the cream of mushroom soup with any ‘cream of –’ soup of your choice, say cream of chicken.

- You may also prepare frozen green beans instead of or together with the corn.

- It also freezes well the vegetables that have been chopped and mixed can be frozen then defrosted before use, Frozen mixed veggies thawed will also be fine.

- Replace them with ground turkey, pork, or even ground sausage in your preparations.

- If you are not opposed to using store-bought yeast dough, experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Tex-Mex blend.

What to Serve with This Recipe

Tater tot casserole is best served with ketchup, or garnished with chopped scallions in addition. Since it’s fairly rich, it goes well served with a simple side dish of greens with tomatoes and cucumbers served with homemade ranch.

Leftovers and Storage

This will last in the fridge for 3-4 days. Place the leftovers in an airtight container to avoid spoiling. If you want to stand crispy tater tots, then it is advisable to use the oven or the air fryer and not the microwave. It is also critical to mention that it is best to freeze any remaining food for later use, within three months maximum. It can also be conveniently reheated from frozen in 2-3 hours at room temperature or from chilled in a matter of minutes.

Therefore, to what end are you waiting? 1 Heat up this Easy Tater Tot Casserole and bring your Midwesterns’ dinner tonight!