Tater Tot Casserole
This classic Tater Tot Casserole is hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. Featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, melted cheese, and crispy golden tater tots, this family-friendly dish is the ultimate weeknight dinner. It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and always a hit at the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bag 32 oz frozen tater tots
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess grease.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, ½ cup of the cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and combined.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the tater tots in an even layer on top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and the casserole is bubbly.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar over the top and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until melted.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
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Variations:
- Add 1 cup of frozen peas, corn, or mixed vegetables to the beef mixture.
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Use cream of chicken or cream of celery instead of mushroom.
- Make Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Freezer-Friendly: Assemble fully (uncooked), cover tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cook time.
- Cheese Options: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheddar blend for different flavor.