Introduction

Have you ever wondered why Tater Tot Casserole has become a beloved dish in so many households? This hearty meal, known for its delightful combination of crispy tots, savory beef, and gooey cheese, has garnered a loyal following in family dinners across the nation. It’s not just comfort food; it’s a time-efficient, budget-friendly meal that serves up nostalgia while catering to modern culinary needs. Dive into this Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef & Cheese recipe that empowers you to create a satisfying dish in less than 90 minutes!

Ingredients List

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen Tater Tots
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Substitutions: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option. Use cream of chicken soup if you prefer, and replace cheddar cheese with mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

Timing

The total time to prepare and cook Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef & Cheese is about 90 minutes, which is 20% less time than the average casserole recipes, making it a quick and satisfying meal choice for busy weeknights.

Preparation time:

15 minutes

Cooking time:

75 minutes

Total time:

90 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will cook evenly and properly right from the start.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef. Cook it until it is fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain excess grease.

Step 3: Add Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

Step 4: Incorporate Remaining Ingredients

Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheddar cheese, and frozen mixed vegetables. Season generously with salt and pepper to elevate flavors. Mix well until all ingredients are combined and heated through.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer your beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly to cover the bottom. Then, top with a layer of frozen Tater Tots, arranging them in a single layer for maximum crispiness.

Step 6: Bake

Bake your casserole in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until the Tater Tots turn golden brown and crispy. If desired, you can sprinkle additional cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for an extra cheesy experience.

Step 7: Let it Rest

Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 800mg

This casserole is a filling option that balances protein and carbohydrates, making it an ideal component of a family meal.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Use lean turkey or chicken in place of ground beef.
• Opt for low-sodium soup to reduce salt content.
• Incorporate more vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, to pack in additional nutrients.
• Substitute whole grain Tater Tots or make your own from scratch using sweet potatoes for added health benefits.

These alternatives allow you to enjoy a classic dish without compromising on health.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Tater Tot Casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to bring in some color and nutrients. A dollop of sour cream on top can also add a tangy twist. For a fun twist, consider serving with jalapeño slices or a drizzle of hot sauce for an added kick!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not browning the ground beef properly can lead to a greasy texture.
• Skipping the resting time after baking results in a messy serving.
• Overcrowding the Tater Tots will prevent them from getting crispy.
• Not seasoning adequately can leave the dish bland; always taste as you cook.

Avoiding these common mistakes will ensure your casserole is delicious and textured perfectly.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for the best texture. If freezing, allow the casserole to cool completely before placing in a freezer-safe dish; it can last for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 375°F for about 1 hour or until heated through.

Conclusion

With its savory blend of flavors and textures, this Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef & Cheese is sure to become a staple in your household. It’s a quick, satisfying way to bring family and friends together. Try this recipe, share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious updates!

FAQs

A: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the Tater Tots and bake when you’re ready to serve.

B: Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can add a lovely crunch. Just be sure to sauté them until tender before mixing them with the beef.

C: What can I serve with Tater Tot Casserole?

Serving it with a simple green salad or a bowl of fresh fruit can complement the richness of the casserole beautifully.

D: Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil and store it. Bake from frozen whenever you’re ready to enjoy it!

E: How can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Substitute ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and ensure your cream of mushroom soup is vegetarian-compatible. You can also increase the amount of mixed vegetables for more flavor and texture.

Ultimate Tater Tot Casserole w/ Ground Beef & Cheese Delight

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• Author: jamal
• Total Time: 90 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Discover a savory Tater Tot Casserole featuring ground beef & cheese. Perfect for a comforting meal that satisfies the whole family!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound of ground beef

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup

1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)

1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

1 bag (32 oz) of frozen Tater Tots

Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef. Cook it until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheddar cheese, and frozen mixed vegetables. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well until heated through.

Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with a single layer of frozen Tater Tots.

Bake for about 60 minutes until the Tater Tots are golden brown. Optionally, add more cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Enjoy a quick and satisfying Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef & Cheese, a perfect dish for family dinners.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 75 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 servings
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: Unknown
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: Unknown
• Protein: 25g