Easy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Tater tot casserole is a comforting dish that combines crispy tots, creamy filling, and savory meat. It is simple to prepare and makes a hearty meal for the whole family. Each bite is warm, cheesy, and satisfying.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings when you want something filling without much effort. Using frozen tater tots keeps things quick while still delivering a homemade taste. Serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb | 1152 |
| Onion chopped | 1 medium | 44 |
| Garlic minced | 2 cloves | 8 |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can | 300 |
| Sour cream | 1 cup | 445 |
| Cheddar cheese shredded | 2 cups | 800 |
| Frozen tater tots | 1 bag | 1200 |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 0 |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | 3 |
Step by Step Cooking Instructions
Cook the beef and onion
In a skillet cook ground beef with chopped onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
Mix the filling
Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and combined.
Prepare the casserole dish
Spread the beef mixture evenly in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
Add tater tots
Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the filling. Make sure they cover the surface completely.
Bake the casserole
Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serve hot
Remove from oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm straight from the dish.
Tips for customizing the recipe
You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version. Add vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans to boost nutrition. Try using different cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack for variety.
For extra crispiness bake a little longer until tots are deep golden. Add seasoning like paprika or Italian herbs for more depth. You can also top with fresh parsley before serving for color.
Nutritional Information
A serving of this casserole has around 350 calories with 20 grams of fat, 22 grams of carbohydrates, and 18 grams of protein. These values vary depending on portion size and ingredient brands. It is filling and rich, making it a complete meal.
The whole dish makes about 6 servings with roughly 2100 calories in total. Using lean meat and reduced fat sour cream can lower calories. Balance it with fresh vegetables or a salad for a wholesome dinner.
Serving Suggestion
Serve the casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. It pairs nicely with garlic bread or dinner rolls. This dish works well for family dinners or potlucks.
For presentation cut into neat squares before serving. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or extra cheese on top. Leftovers can be reheated and enjoyed the next day.
How to store and keep fresh
Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the tots crispy. Avoid reheating in the microwave if you want the crunch to remain.
For longer storage freeze portions in airtight containers. When ready to eat thaw overnight and bake until heated through. This makes it convenient for meal prep.
Conclusion
Easy tater tot casserole is a hearty and comforting meal that everyone will love. It is simple to prepare with basic ingredients yet delivers big taste. The crispy topping and creamy filling make it irresistible.
This dish is great for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prepping. Customize it with your favorite meats, vegetables, or cheeses. Once you try it this casserole will surely become a household favorite.
FAQs
Q1. Can I make tater tot casserole ahead of time?
Yes you can assemble it in advance and refrigerate. Just bake when ready to serve.
Q2. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Yes you can slice and roast fresh potatoes but it takes longer. Frozen tots give the easiest crispy result.
Q3. How can I make this casserole healthier?
Use lean ground meat, reduced fat cheese, and add more vegetables. This lowers calories while keeping it tasty.
