Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate easy, delicious, and comforting family dinner, combining savory ground meat, creamy sauce, and crispy golden Tater Tots in one simple casserole recipe perfect for any night of the week.
When it comes to classic American comfort food, few dishes hit the spot quite like a warm, bubbly Tater Tot Casserole. Known affectionately as Tater Tot Hotdish in the Upper Midwest, this quintessential dish offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. It’s incredibly satisfying, economical, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it a staple for busy weeknights, potlucks, and family gatherings. Prepare to rediscover a beloved classic with our comprehensive guide to crafting the perfect Tater Tot Casserole.
This hearty Ground Beef Casserole brings together tender ground beef, a rich, creamy sauce, wholesome vegetables, and a topping of golden, crispy Tater Tots. It’s a versatile recipe that welcomes customizations, ensuring it can become a favorite in any household. Forget complicated cooking; this is one of those simple casserole recipes that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Dive in and make a truly delicious Tater Tot Casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Preparing this Easy Tater Tot Casserole is straightforward, but having the right kitchen tools can make the process even smoother and more enjoyable. For instance, chopping onions and other vegetables can be done in a flash with a Cuisinart 8 Cup Food Processor, a true meal prep essential for complex recipes and simple ones alike. If you’re looking to elevate your creamy sauce or prepare smooth purees for other dishes, a Ninja BN751 Professional Plus DUO Blender offers high-power performance perfect for such tasks.
After enjoying your wonderful Family Dinner, proper storage is key to making the most of your leftovers. A Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Storage Set of 9 is crystal clear, leak-proof, and stackable, perfect for keeping your Tater Tot Casserole fresh in the fridge. For those who love to cook in bulk or freeze portions for later, a FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Machine will keep ingredients fresh up to five times longer and prevent freezer burn, ideal for buying meat in bulk for future Tater Tot Casseroles or other meals. And when you’re ready to reheat, or perhaps want to try roasting some chickpeas or crisping up your tots even more, the Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt is excellent for roasting vegetables perfectly with less oil, offering a large capacity ideal for family servings.
Classic Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- Ground Meat: 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, pork)
- Tater Tots: 32 ounces frozen Tater Tots
- Condensed Soup: 1 can (10.5 ounce) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- Cheese: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Onion: 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced garlic or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Mixed Vegetables: 1 (15 ounce) can green beans, drained (or frozen corn, peas, mixed veggies)
- Milk: ½ cup milk (whole, skim, or 2%)
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Salt & Pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Meat & Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion, seasoning with salt and pepper, until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is softened (about 8 minutes). Drain off any excess fat. Add the minced garlic and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the Creamy Base: To the skillet with the cooked beef mixture, stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and drained green beans (or other vegetables). Mix well until thoroughly combined and heated through for a minute or two. Stir in about half (½ cup) of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated. This creates a rich, savory foundation for your easy weeknight dinners.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the entire beef and soup mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen Tater Tots in a single layer over the top of the beef and cheese mixture, covering the entire surface. Do not defrost the Tater Tots before adding them.
- Bake: Bake, uncovered, for 40-50 minutes, or until the Tater Tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbly around the sides. For a slightly softer tot and moist interior, some people prefer to cover for the first 20-25 minutes, then uncover for the remaining time. For more ground beef recipes, visit our site.
- Final Cheese Layer (Optional): During the last 5-10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the Tater Tots and allow it to melt into a gooey, irresistible topping. This enhances the classic comfort food classics feel.
- Rest and Serve: Let the Tater Tot Casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the internal liquids to set, making it easier to serve. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or scallions if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tater Tot Casserole
- Can I make Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the tater tots and refrigerate it overnight (up to 24 hours). Add the tater tots just before baking to prevent sogginess. Baking time might need to be increased by 5-10 minutes if baking from cold. - Can Tater Tot Casserole be frozen?
Absolutely. You can prepare and freeze the casserole before baking (adding tots just before cooking) or freeze baked leftovers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. - Is it necessary to cover the casserole with foil?
Covering the casserole for part of the baking time helps retain moisture and prevents the tater tots from drying out. For crispy tots, uncover for the last 10-25 minutes. Many recipes also suggest baking uncovered for the entire duration if crispy tots are prioritized. - What can I serve with Tater Tot Casserole?
This casserole is a hearty meal on its own. Light sides like a fresh green salad, steamed green beans, or garlic bread complement it well. - What is the difference between Tater Tot Casserole and Tater Tot Hotdish?
They are essentially the same dish, with "hotdish" being a term commonly used in the Upper Midwest (especially Minnesota) for a casserole that includes a starch, meat, canned or frozen vegetable, and condensed soup. - Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, this recipe is highly versatile. You can use ground turkey, chicken, pork, lamb, venison, or a plant-based ground substitute. - What other vegetables can I add?
Common additions include green beans, corn, peas, carrots, mixed vegetables, or broccoli. - Can I use different types of soup?
Yes, cream of mushroom is classic, but cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even condensed cheddar cheese soup are popular alternatives or additions. - How do I prevent the casserole from being too runny?
Draining excess fat from the ground meat after browning is crucial. Ensure canned vegetables are well-drained before adding them to the mixture. - How long does leftover Tater Tot Casserole last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Reheat in the oven or an air fryer to help crisp up the tater tots again.
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