Tater Tot Casseroles

Tater Tot Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner. The dish is made with layers of crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, melted cheese, and creamy sauce. It’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. In this article, we’ll share with you a delicious Tater Tot Casserole recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

1 pound of ground beef1 can of cream of mushroom soup1 cup of milk1 teaspoon of garlic powder1 teaspoon of onion powder1 teaspoon of dried thyme1 teaspoon of dried parsleySalt and pepper to taste1 bag of frozen tater tots2 cups of shredded cheddar cheeseOptional toppings: sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Add the browned ground beef to the mixing bowl and stir to combine.

Spread a layer of frozen tater tots in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Pour the ground beef mixture over the tater tots, spreading it evenly.

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the ground beef mixture.

Add another layer of frozen tater tots on top of the cheese layer.

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the tater tots.

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tater tots are crispy.

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.

Garnish with sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapenos if desired.

Serve and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a healthier option.

To add some extra flavor, try adding chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the ground beef mixture.

For a spicier version, add some diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture.

You can also swap out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.

If you prefer a more crispy texture, broil the casserole for a few minutes at the end of the cooking time.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Conclusion:

Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make comfort food dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, and melted cheese, this casserole is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your taste preferences and can be prepared in advance for a quick and easy meal. So why not give this recipe a try and see for yourself why Tater Tot Casserole is a classic favorite?

Ground beef, sausage and cheese make this tater tot casserole with green beans a crowd-pleaser. Cayenne pepper and hot Italian sausage give it a pleasant kick. —Ryan Jones, Chillicothe, Illinois

Use high-quality ingredients: This casserole is all about comfort, so it's worth it to splurge on high-quality ingredients. Use good ground beef, real cheddar cheese, and high-quality cream of mushroom soup.

Let the casserole rest before serving: After the casserole comes out of the oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This will help the ingredients set and make it easier to serve.

Experiment with seasonings: While the basic recipe is simple, you can experiment with different seasonings to make it your own. Try adding garlic powder, paprika, or chili powder to the meat mixture.

Get creative with toppings: Tater tot casseroles are versatile and can be topped with a variety of ingredients. Try adding sliced jalapenos, crumbled blue cheese, or sliced avocado for a fun twist.

Conclusion

Tater tot casseroles are the