If comfort food had a superstar, the Tater Tot Casserole Recipe would undoubtedly take center stage. This hearty, nostalgic dish perfectly blends savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, sweet corn, and golden, crispy tater tots into one irresistible casserole. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction, making it a go-to for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you crave a delicious hug in food form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients is all it takes to create this beloved casserole. Each component plays a crucial role, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and that classic comforting vibe that makes this dish a winner every time.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a savory base for the casserole.
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Brings aromatic warmth and a mild pungency.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Introduces a tangy, umami-packed punch.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Gives a hint of herbaceous flavor that brightens the dish.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Creates a creamy, tangy texture that balances savory ingredients.
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: The classic creamy binder that makes the casserole luscious and rich.
- 1 (12 ounce) can corn (drained): Adds subtle sweetness and color contrast.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar (divided): Sharp, melty cheese is essential for gooey, golden goodness.
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots: The star topping, providing crunch and nostalgic flavor.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Chopped scallions (optional, to taste): A fresh, mild onion note to sprinkle on top when serving.
How to Make Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by setting your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and positioning the rack in the top third of the oven. Getting the oven ready early means you can slide the casserole right in when it’s time.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions
Place the ground beef and chopped onions into a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir frequently, breaking up the beef into crumbles until it’s fully browned and the onions have softened gently—this usually takes around 7 to 8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, carefully remove most of it with a spoon to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Toss in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about one minute to allow the fragrant flavors to release and mingle beautifully with the beef mixture.
Step 4: Stir in the Creamy Ingredients
Lower the heat to medium, then mix in the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, drained corn, and half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything until it’s evenly combined and warmed through. This creamy mixture is what will make your Tater Tot Casserole Recipe utterly comforting and rich.
Step 5: Transfer to Casserole Dish
Pour and spread this savory mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch casserole dish. If you happen to have an oven-safe skillet you cooked in, feel free to use that to simplify cleanup and keep the flavors intact.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Tater Tots
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the meat mixture, then arrange the frozen tater tots evenly on top. These will crisp up during baking, delivering that golden crunch everyone loves.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes. Keep an eye out for beautifully browned tater tots and bubbling cheese—that’s your cue that the dish is ready to come out. Serve hot with some chopped scallions and a dash of salt and pepper if desired.
How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a pop of color and a fresh bite, sprinkle chopped scallions or even some crispy bacon bits on top. A light drizzle of sour cream or a pinch of paprika can elevate the presentation and flavor appeal too.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs exceptionally well with bright, crisp side salads or steamed green veggies like broccoli or green beans to balance the richness. Pickled veggies or a fresh tomato salad can also cut through the creamy heaviness with welcome acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress or make it feel special, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. You could even spice things up by mixing in different cheeses or adding roasted veggies into the meat layer for a colorful twist on the classic Tater Tot Casserole Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, often tasting even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked casserole in an airtight container or wrapped well in foil for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep its texture intact and avoid sogginess.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350-degree oven for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. To help restore crispiness to the tater tot topping, leave the last 5 minutes uncovered. Microwaving is quicker but may sacrifice some texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of canned corn in this Tater Tot Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works just as well and can sometimes have a fresher taste. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water to keep the casserole from becoming watery.
Is there a vegetarian way to make this casserole?
Yes, simply swap out the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative. Using a vegetable broth-based soup instead of cream of mushroom can help keep the flavors hearty yet vegetarian-friendly.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt is a fantastic alternative that adds creaminess with a similar tang. Just use the same amount as called for in the recipe.
Can I prepare this casserole completely ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole the day before and keep it covered in the fridge, then bake it fresh right before serving. This can save time on busy days without sacrificing flavor or texture.
What is the best cheese to use for this casserole?
Cheddar cheese is classic because of its sharpness and melting quality, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a smoky gouda for exciting flavor variations that complement the Tater Tot Casserole Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about a warm, bubbling Tater Tot Casserole Recipe fresh from the oven. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try it and create your own fond food memories with this timeless classic.
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Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Tater Tot Casserole combines savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, corn, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, all topped with crispy baked tater tots. Perfect for a family dinner, this hearty casserole is easy to prepare and delivers a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (12 ounce) can corn, drained
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Soup and Toppings
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
- Chopped scallions for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the oven rack in the top third of the oven to ensure even baking and browning of the casserole top.
- Cook Beef and Onions: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onions. Stir occasionally and break up the beef with a spoon until it is browned and the onions are softened, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté Garlic and Season: Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook for about one minute, stirring to combine all flavors.
- Combine Creamy Mixture: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in sour cream, condensed cream of mushroom soup, drained corn, and half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well and let the mixture heat through for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13 inch casserole dish or an oven-safe skillet. Smooth it out evenly. This container will hold the entire dish while baking.
- Add Cheese and Tater Tots: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture. Then, arrange the frozen tater tots on top in an even layer to cover the dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve with optional chopped scallions on top and add salt and pepper to taste for extra seasoning.
Notes
- For a quicker cleanup, you can assemble and bake the casserole entirely in a large oven-safe skillet.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste before serving.
- Frozen tater tots can be substituted with homemade potato tots or a comparable frozen potato product.
- To make this recipe lower in fat, consider using reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
