Best Tater Tot Casserole Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Introduction to Best Tater Tot Casserole
Tater Tot Casserole is a beloved dish that combines the crispy goodness of tater tots with a savory beef mixture, making it a hearty meal perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make casserole is not only delicious but also a nostalgic comfort food that warms the heart and satisfies the belly.
A Personal Story Behind My Tater Tot Casserole Journey
Growing up, my family often gathered around the dinner table for hearty meals that brought us together. One of the standout dishes was always Tater Tot Casserole, a recipe passed down through generations. I fondly remember the smell of the casserole baking in the oven and the excitement it brought to our family dinners. Now, I love to share this recipe with friends and family, creating new memories around the table.
What Makes This Tater Tot Casserole Recipe Special?
This Tater Tot Casserole recipe stands out because of its simplicity and the blend of flavors. The combination of ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and savory cheese creates a rich filling, while the tater tots bake to a crispy golden perfection on top. It’s a one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
The Full Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (12 ounce) can corn, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped scallions for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the top third of the oven.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onions until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 7-8 minutes. If there is excess fat, carefully remove most of it.
- Add the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Reduce the heat to medium, then stir in the sour cream, condensed cream of mushroom soup, drained corn, and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well and let it heat through for a minute or two.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Alternatively, you can use a large oven-safe skillet for the entire casserole.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole, then top it with the frozen tater tots, arranging them in a single layer.
- Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a crispy tater tot topping, consider broiling the casserole for the last few minutes of baking.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions, salt, and pepper if desired.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Tater Tot Casserole
This Tater Tot Casserole can be served with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider adding cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms to the beef mixture for an extra flavor boost. You can also swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with black beans or lentils.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tater Tot Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve!
Can I freeze Tater Tot Casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Just make sure to cover it tightly before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
You can use leaner ground beef or substitute with ground turkey. Additionally, using low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese can help cut calories.
No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.
Recipe Stats
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Calories per Serving: 450
Servings: 6
Best Tater Tot Casserole
Equipment
- Skillet For cooking the beef and onions.
- Casserole Dish 9x13 or large oven-safe skillet.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 0.5 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 10.5 ounce condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 12 ounce can corn, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped scallions for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the top third of the oven.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onions until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 7-8 minutes. If there is excess fat, carefully remove most of it.
- Add the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Reduce the heat to medium, then stir in the sour cream, condensed cream of mushroom soup, drained corn, and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well and let it heat through for a minute or two.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Alternatively, you can use a large oven-safe skillet for the entire casserole.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole, then top it with the frozen tater tots, arranging them in a single layer.
- Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a crispy tater tot topping, consider broiling the casserole for the last few minutes of baking.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions, salt, and pepper if desired.