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Easy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.2 from 3 reviews

This Easy Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring a savory ground beef and cheese mixture topped with crispy baked tater tots, this casserole combines flavorful ingredients into a one-pan meal that’s both simple to prepare and deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients

Ground Beef Mixture

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 can (10oz) condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup)
  • ½ cup sour cream (good quality and thick, like Daisy brand)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 ½ cups frozen or canned vegetables (corn or frozen veggie blend recommended)

Topping

  • 1 package frozen tater tots (about 54-72 tots)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Lightly grease a deep medium baking dish, ideally 9 x 9 inches or 7.5 x 10 inches.
  2. Cook Onions: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and swirl it around to melt evenly. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, stirring frequently, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, around 30-60 seconds to avoid burning.
  4. Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet immediately. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to crumble the beef as it cooks. Brown the meat thoroughly, then drain excess grease from the pan.
  5. Season Meat: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, paprika (if using), and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated with the seasonings.
  6. Add Creamy Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the condensed cream of chicken soup and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
  7. Incorporate Cheese and Veggies: Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until well distributed. Add the frozen or canned vegetables and stir again.
  8. Assemble Casserole: Spread the creamy ground beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots on top in an even layer.
  9. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The tater tots should turn golden brown and the casserole should be bubbly and hot throughout.
  10. Optional Broil: For extra crispy tops, switch your oven to the broil setting at the end of baking and broil for 2-4 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning and remove promptly when golden.
  11. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken to vary the flavor.
  • Frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn work well in this casserole.
  • Be cautious when broiling; keep a close eye to avoid burning the tater tots.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
  • To make it gluten-free, ensure the seasoning and soup used are certified gluten-free.

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/easy-tater-tot-casserole-recipe/