If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner that everyone will love, you can’t go wrong with tater tot casserole. This comforting dish is made with just four basic ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
To make tater tot casserole, all you need is ground beef, frozen tater tots, cream of mushroom soup, and shredded cheddar cheese. Simply brown the beef in a skillet, mix it with the soup and cheese, and top it with the tater tots before baking in the oven. The result is a delicious, hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy the whole family.
There are also plenty of variations on the classic tater tot casserole recipe that you can try, including adding vegetables like peas and carrots, or using different types of cheese. Whether you’re looking for a simple, no-fuss meal or want to get creative in the kitchen, tater tot casserole is a great option that’s sure to please.
What is Tater Tot Casserole
Tater Tot Casserole is a classic comfort food that has been a family favorite for generations. It is a hearty, filling, and delicious entree that is perfect for feeding a crowd on a budget. This casserole is made with layers of crispy tater tots, ground beef, vegetables, and cheese, all baked together in a creamy sauce.
The origins of Tater Tot Casserole are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the Midwest United States in the 1950s or 1960s. It was likely created as a way to use up leftover ingredients and stretch a family’s food budget.
Today, Tater Tot Casserole remains a popular dish that is loved by people of all ages. It is easy to make, customizable, and can be prepared in advance and reheated for a quick and satisfying meal.
Whether you are looking for a comforting meal on a chilly evening or a dish to serve at your next family gathering, Tater Tot Casserole is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients Required
To make a delicious tater tot casserole, you will need a few key ingredients. This section will provide a breakdown of the main ingredients and seasonings you will need to make this dish.
Main Ingredients
Ground Beef
Ground beef is a staple ingredient in tater tot casserole. You will need about 1 pound of ground beef for this recipe. If you prefer, you can also use ground turkey or steak seasoning.
Tater Tots
Tater tots are the star of this casserole. You will need a bag of frozen tater tots to make this recipe. You can also use potato nuggets or onion rings if you prefer.
Soup
The soup is what gives this casserole its creamy texture. You will need a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup. If you prefer, you can also use cream of chicken soup.
Cheese
Cheese is a must-have ingredient in tater tot casserole. You will need shredded cheddar cheese to sprinkle on top of the casserole before baking. You can also use American or Colby Jack cheese.
Vegetables
To add some nutrition to the dish, you can add in some vegetables. You can use frozen mixed vegetables, corn, green beans, or mushrooms.
Seasonings
Onion
Onion is a great way to add flavor to the ground beef. You can use a chopped onion or onion powder.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder is another seasoning that can add flavor to the ground beef. You can use fresh garlic if you prefer.
Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce is a tangy seasoning that can add depth of flavor to the ground beef.
Salt and Pepper
Salt and pepper are essential seasonings to add to taste. You can adjust the amount of salt and pepper based on your preference.
Milk
Milk is an optional ingredient that can make the casserole creamier. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or skim milk.
In summary, to make a delicious tater tot casserole, you will need ground beef, tater tots, soup, cheese, and vegetables. You can add seasonings such as onion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Preparing the Casserole
When it comes to making a delicious tater tot casserole, preparation is key. Here are the steps you need to follow to prepare and bake the perfect casserole.
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain the excess fat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup of milk, and your choice of seasonings.
- Add the browned ground beef to the soup mixture and stir well.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with a layer of frozen tater tots, covering the entire dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Baking the Casserole
- Bake the covered casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
That’s it! With these simple steps, you can easily make a delicious tater tot casserole that your whole family will love.
Serving the Casserole
Once your tater tot casserole is cooked to golden brown perfection, it’s time to serve it up! This delicious and satisfying dish is perfect for a family dinner or potluck gathering. Here are some tips for serving your casserole:
- Let it cool: After removing the casserole from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese and other ingredients to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
- Cut into portions: Use a sharp knife to cut the casserole into portions. Depending on the size of your dish, you may get anywhere from 4 to 8 servings.
- Add toppings: For an extra touch of flavor and texture, consider adding toppings to your casserole. Some popular options include chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, and sour cream.
- Pair with sides: Tater tot casserole is a hearty and filling dish, so it pairs well with lighter sides like a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Store leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Overall, serving tater tot casserole is easy and straightforward. With its creamy, cheesy, and satisfying flavor, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Storing and Reheating
When it comes to storing and reheating tater tot casserole, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results. Here are some tips for storing and reheating your casserole:
Freezing the Casserole
If you have leftovers that you won’t be able to eat within a few days, you can freeze your tater tot casserole for later. To freeze your casserole, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can also wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
Frozen tater tot casserole can last up to six months in the freezer, but for best quality, it’s recommended to consume it within three months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating the Casserole
There are a few ways to reheat your tater tot casserole, depending on your preference and available equipment.
Oven Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Take your casserole out of the refrigerator and remove any plastic wrap or foil.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20-30 minutes or until heated through.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the tater tots are crispy.
Microwave Method
- Take your casserole out of the refrigerator and remove any plastic wrap or foil.
- Place the casserole in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel.
- Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
- Remove the paper towel and microwave for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the tater tots are crispy.
Crockpot Method
- Take your casserole out of the refrigerator and remove any plastic wrap or foil.
- Place the casserole in a crockpot and cover with the lid.
- Cook on high for 2-3 hours or until heated through.
- Remove the lid and cook for an additional 30 minutes or until the tater tots are crispy.
No matter which method you choose, it’s important to ensure that your casserole is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming. Also, be sure to stir the casserole occasionally during reheating to ensure even heating throughout.
Overall, storing and reheating tater tot casserole is a simple process that can help you enjoy this delicious dish for days to come. Just remember to follow these tips to ensure the best results.
Nutritional Information
Tater tot casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is loved by many. However, it is important to be aware of its nutritional content, especially if you are watching your diet or have certain health concerns.
Here is a breakdown of the nutritional information for a typical serving size of 240 grams of tater tot casserole:
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385 |
| Total Fat | 19.16g |
| Saturated Fat | 10.483g |
| Trans Fat | 0.275g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.02g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5.844g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Sodium | 460mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35.04g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5g |
| Sugars | 4.22g |
| Protein |
As you can see, tater tot casserole is a high-calorie and high-fat dish, with a significant amount of saturated fat and cholesterol. However, it also contains some dietary fiber and protein.
If you are looking to make your tater tot casserole a bit healthier, there are a few things you can do. For example, you can use lean ground beef or turkey instead of regular ground beef, or you can add more vegetables to the recipe to increase its nutrient content.
It’s also a good idea to watch your portion sizes when eating tater tot casserole, as it can be easy to overeat. Pairing it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables can help balance out the meal and provide additional nutrients.
Overall, while tater tot casserole may not be the healthiest dish out there, it can still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Cooking Time
Cooking time is an essential aspect of any recipe, and the good news is that tater tot casserole is a quick and easy dish to prepare. The cook time for tater tot casserole is typically around 40-50 minutes, depending on your oven and the size of your casserole dish.
The prep time for tater tot casserole is also minimal, taking only around 15 minutes. You will need to brown ground beef and onion in a large skillet, mix the veggies, soup, milk, seasonings, and beef in a baking dish, top with frozen tater tots, and cover with cheese. Then, bake per the recipe until the cheese is bubbly, and the tater tots are browned on top.
If you’re short on time, you can also make tater tot casserole in the crockpot. Simply brown the ground beef and onion, mix all the ingredients together in the slow cooker, top with tater tots and cheese, and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Tater tot casserole is an excellent option for easy dinners and easy weeknight meals. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love, and it’s easy to customize to your liking with different veggies, meats, and seasonings.
In summary, tater tot casserole is a quick and easy dish to prepare with a minimal prep time of around 15 minutes and a cook time of 40-50 minutes. It’s also a great option for easy dinners and easy weeknight meals, and can even be made in the crockpot for added convenience.
Variations of Tater Tot Casserole
Tater tot casserole is a versatile dish that can be modified to suit your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Here are some variations to try:
Vegetables
Adding vegetables to your tater tot casserole can make it a more balanced meal. Some popular choices include:
- Broccoli: Cut into small pieces and mix in with the meat and soup mixture.
- Peas and carrots: Mix in with the meat and soup mixture.
- Spinach: Sauté with garlic and mix in with the meat and soup mixture.
- Bell peppers: Sauté with onions and mix in with the meat and soup mixture.
Casseroles
Tater tot casserole is not the only casserole you can make with tater tots. Here are some other ideas:
- Breakfast casserole: Use tater tots as the base and add scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese.
- Mexican casserole: Use tater tots as the base and add taco meat, salsa, and cheese.
- Shepherd’s pie: Use tater tots instead of mashed potatoes for the topping.
Crumbly
If you prefer a crumbly topping instead of tater tots, try using:
- Crushed crackers: Mix with melted butter and sprinkle on top of the casserole.
- Bread crumbs: Mix with melted butter and sprinkle on top of the casserole.
- Corn flakes: Crush and mix with melted butter and sprinkle on top of the casserole.
Oregano
Oregano is a popular herb to add to tater tot casserole for extra flavor. Here are some other herbs and spices to try:
- Thyme: Adds a savory flavor to the casserole.
- Rosemary: Adds a fragrant, pine-like flavor to the casserole.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky, sweet flavor to the casserole.
Experiment with different variations to find your favorite version of tater tot casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best tater tot casserole recipe?
The best tater tot casserole recipe is subjective and depends on personal preferences. However, a classic recipe usually includes ground beef, tater tots, cream of mushroom soup, and shredded cheese.
How do I make a cheesy tater tot casserole?
To make a cheesy tater tot casserole, add an extra layer of shredded cheese on top of the tater tots before baking. You can also mix in different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack, to add more flavor.
What are some variations of tater tot casserole?
Some variations of tater tot casserole include adding vegetables like green beans, corn, or peas, using different types of meat like chicken or turkey, or using different types of soups like cream of chicken or cream of celery.
Can I make tater tot casserole without soup?
Yes, you can make tater tot casserole without soup. Instead, you can use a homemade sauce made with milk, flour, and butter to replace the soup.
How long can I keep tater tot casserole in the fridge?
You can keep tater tot casserole in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent bacteria growth.
Can I freeze unbaked tater tot casserole?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked tater tot casserole. Assemble the casserole as usual, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight before baking according to the recipe instructions.
