Classic Comfort Tater Tot Casserole
Introduction
Tater Tot Casserole is a simple and tasty dish that brings back memories of family dinners. It’s a warm, comforting meal that combines ground meat, veggies, and crispy tater tots, all topped with cheese. Perfect for busy nights, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great because it’s quick and easy. You can make it with just a few ingredients that you probably already have at home. It’s also a fun way to get kids to eat their veggies, and it’s a fantastic comfort food for the whole family.
How to Make Classic Comfort Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, paprika
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the finely chopped onion to the meat and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for another 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- Mix in the cream of mushroom soup, and season the mixture with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or paprika.
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat mixture.
- Top with an even layer of tater tots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your comfort casserole!
How to Serve Classic Comfort Tater Tot Casserole
Serve the casserole hot, right from the oven. It’s great on its own or you can pair it with a simple salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Classic Comfort Tater Tot Casserole
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in the microwave or oven until warm.
Tips to Make Classic Comfort Tater Tot Casserole
- Feel free to add different veggies like bell peppers or broccoli to the mix.
- Make sure to spread the tater tots in a single layer for the best crispiness.
- You can add spices like chili powder or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Variation (If Any)
You can try using different kinds of cheese, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for a twist. If you want to make it a bit healthier, you can use ground chicken or cooked lentils instead of beef or turkey.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat and vegetable mixture, then assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge. Just add the tater tots and bake when you’re ready to eat.
2. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables! Just make sure to cook them a little longer to get them soft.
3. What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute with cream of chicken soup or make your own white sauce by mixing flour, milk, and seasoning together.