Easy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Tater Tot Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It’s not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for those evenings when you crave something hearty and satisfying, I guarantee the kids will gobble this Tater Tot Hotdish up too!
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Why You Will Love Making Tater Tot Casserole
If you’re wondering what makes Tater Tot Casserole a must-try dish, here are a few reasons why it’s a favorite in many households. This classic comfort food is not just tasty but also packs in nutrition and is incredibly versatile.
- Easy to Make: With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Feel free to add in veggies like corn or green beans for extra nutrition or swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner protein option.
- Kid-Friendly: The combination of ground beef, cheese, and tater tots is a hit among the little ones.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make an extra batch and freeze it for an easy dinner option later.
- Leftovers are Delicious!: If you have leftovers, they reheat wonderfully in the microwave or oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make the BEST Tater Tot Casserole with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Making Tater Tot Casserole is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 355°F (180ºC) so that your casserole cooks evenly.
Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion and garlic. Once browned, stir in Worcestershire sauce, mushroom soup, and grated Cheddar cheese.
Assemble the Casserole
Grease your casserole dish and transfer the beef mixture into it. Smooth it out to create an even layer. Then, arrange the tater tots on top of the beef mixture in a single layer. This will give you that perfect crispy top layer.
Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the rest of the Cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Then place the dish in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Serving
Serve it up with some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your Tater Tot Casserole turns out just right. These little nuggets of advice can make all the difference in your cooking experience!
- Cheese Varieties: While Cheddar is our go-to, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for varying flavors. A mix of cheeses can add depth.
- Crispy Tater Tots: For an extra crispy top layer, broil the casserole for a few minutes after baking.
- Adding Veggies: Sneak in some vegetables like corn, green beans, or mushrooms for added nutrition without compromising taste.
- Add Spice: Feel free to spice it up with things like paprika, cumin, or a bit of cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Thicker Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a tablespoon of flour to the beef mixture while cooking.
- Meal Prep: Assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. It’s a great time-saver for busy days.
- Making it Healthier: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or a meat substitute like lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Use a lower-fat cheese to reduce calories without sacrificing taste.
- Gluten-Free: If you need this casserole to be gluten-free, make sure to use gluten-free tater tots and a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. Always check the labels on your ingredients, just in case!
- What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup? Cream of chicken soup is a great alternative. For a homemade option, you can make a simple roux with butter, flour, and milk, then add mushrooms for flavor.
How to Store Leftover Tater Tot Hotdish
Got leftovers? No problem! Tater Tot Casserole stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal. Here’s how to keep your leftovers tasting fresh and delicious:
- Cool Before Storing: Let the casserole cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation in the container.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They should keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer-Friendly: This casserole freezes well. Just store it in a freezer-safe container, and it can last in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to eat, reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave. If it’s frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Let’s face it: we all love to save a bit where we can, especially when it comes to cooking delicious meals like Tater Tot Casserole. Here are three easy ways to keep your wallet happy while whipping up this tasty dish:
- Meal Planning: Add this casserole to your weekly meal plan before you go shopping. When you plan your meals, you can buy ingredients in bulk and use them in multiple recipes throughout the week. For instance, if you buy a large pack of ground beef, use part of it for this casserole and the rest for another dish like spaghetti or tacos.
- Seasonal and Local Produce: If you decide to add more veggies to your casserole, try to use seasonal and local produce. These are often cheaper and fresher than their out-of-season counterparts. Farmers markets can be a great source for deals on fresh produce.
- Coupons and Sales: Keep an eye out for sales and coupons at your local grocery stores. Items like canned soups, frozen tater tots, and cheese often go on sale. Stocking up during a sale can save you quite a bit over time, especially if these are ingredients you use regularly.
What to Serve with Tater Tot Casserole
Wondering what to pair with your Tater Tot Casserole to round out the meal? Here are some great ideas that complement this hearty dish perfectly, making for a complete and satisfying meal.
Steamed or Roasted Vegetables
Steam some vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans, or roast them in the oven while your casserole cooks. They add a pop of color and a dose of nutrition to your plate. Plus, they’re super easy to prepare while your casserole is baking.
Garlic Bread for Comfort
There’s nothing like a side of warm, buttery garlic bread to complete a comfort food meal. It’s great for scooping up any leftover creamy sauce from the casserole, and let’s be honest, garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser.
A Simple Dessert to Finish
End your meal on a sweet note with a simple dessert. Something light like fruit salad or a scoop of ice cream works great, especially after a hearty dish like Tater Tot Casserole.
More Easy Casserole Recipes You Will Love
- Walking Taco Casserole
- Chicken Casserole
- Cheeseburger Casserole
- Breakfast Casserole
- Tuna Casserole
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Easy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups ground beef
- ½ onion chopped
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 can mushroom soup
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese grated
- 1 package tater tots 2 cups, or enough to cover the casserole dish
- Fresh parsley to serve
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 355°F (180ºC).
- In a non-stick skillet, brown the beef along with the onion and garlic. After browning it, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, mushroom soup, and Cheddar cheese. Then set it aside.2 cups ground beef, ½ onion, 1 garlic clove, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 can mushroom soup
- Grease a casserole dish and transfer the beef mixture. Arrange the tater tots on top and top with the rest of the cheese.1 package tater tots, 2 cups Cheddar cheese
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve with fresh parsley.Fresh parsley to serve
Notes
- Cheese Varieties: While Cheddar is our go-to, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for varying flavors. A mix of cheeses can add depth.
- Crispy Tater Tots: For an extra crispy top layer, broil the casserole for a few minutes after baking.
- Adding Veggies: Sneak in some vegetables like corn, green beans, or mushrooms for added nutrition without compromising taste.
- Add Spice: Feel free to spice it up with things like paprika, cumin, or a bit of cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Thicker Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a tablespoon of flour to the beef mixture while cooking.
- Meal Prep: Assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. It’s a great time-saver for busy days.
- Making it Healthier: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or a meat substitute like lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Use a lower-fat cheese to reduce calories without sacrificing taste.
- Gluten-Free: If you need this casserole to be gluten-free, make sure to use gluten-free tater tots and a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. Always check the labels on your ingredients, just in case!
- What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup? Cream of chicken soup is a great alternative. For a homemade option, you can make a simple roux with butter, flour, and milk, then add mushrooms for flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Cool Before Storing: Let the casserole cool to room temperature before storing it to prevent condensation in the container.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They should keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer-Friendly: This casserole freezes well. Just store it in a freezer-safe container, and it can last in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to eat, reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave. If it’s frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
