Green Bean Casserole: The Ultimate Tater Tot Recipe

Introduction to Green Bean Casserole

Welcome to a heartwarming dish that is sure to bring comfort to your table! The Green Bean Casserole with Tater Tots is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that makes it an ideal meal for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy dinners at home. This recipe is not just easy to prepare; it’s packed with the goodness of green beans and the satisfying crunch of tater tots. So, let’s dive into this culinary adventure!

A Personal Story Behind My Green Bean Casserole Journey

Growing up, my family often gathered around the dinner table for special occasions. One dish that always made an appearance was a green bean casserole, but this version with tater tots adds a nostalgic twist. I fondly remember my grandmother preparing this dish, her kitchen filled with laughter and the aroma of savory ingredients. It brings back warm memories and reminds me of the importance of family and shared meals. Now, I love recreating this dish for my own family, continuing the tradition that brings everyone together.

What Makes This Green Bean Casserole Recipe Special?

This Green Bean Casserole is not your ordinary casserole; it’s a delightful blend of rich flavors and textures. The use of ground beef adds a hearty element, while the creamy mushroom soup and sour cream create a velvety base. The star of the show, however, is the tater tots on top, which become wonderfully crispy as they bake, providing a satisfying crunch. This dish is not only comforting but also versatile; you can easily customize it to suit your preferences!

The Full Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small sweet onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups frozen cut green beans
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 casserole dish. This step ensures your casserole won’t stick and will come out easily.
2. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, around 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Mix in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, half of the shredded cheese, milk, green beans, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Combine well and adjust seasoning to taste. This mixture is the heart of your casserole!
5. Spread the meat mixture in the greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar on top. This adds a cheesy layer that melts beautifully.
6. Arrange a single layer of tater tots on top of the cheese. This is where the crunch factor comes in!
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn!
8. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to serve.

Serving Suggestions and Variations for Green Bean Casserole

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance it further by serving it with a side salad or some crusty bread. For variations, consider adding cooked bacon bits for extra flavor, or substitute the green beans with broccoli for a different twist. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, to add a unique flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions About Green Bean Casserole

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Just add extra baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

What can I use instead of ground beef? If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or even a plant-based meat substitute for a lighter option.

Green Bean Casserole With Tater Tots

A comforting and delicious green bean casserole topped with crispy tater tots.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• 9x13 casserole dish For baking the casserole.

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small sweet onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 2 cups frozen cut green beans
• 1 2 cups frozen tater tots
• 1 2 cups milk
• 1 2 cups kosher salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 casserole dish.
• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, around 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Mix in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, half of the shredded cheese, milk, green beans, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Combine well and adjust seasoning to taste.
• Spread the meat mixture in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar on top. Arrange a single layer of tater tots.
• Bake for 40-45 minutes until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.

Keyword Green Bean Casserole With Tater Tots