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Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Tater Tot Casserole

iamwinfred
This Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together crispy golden tater tots with savory ground beef, melted cheese, and a creamy filling. It's been a beloved weeknight dinner staple since the 1950s, and for good reason—it's easy, affordable, and always a crowd-pleaser. With minimal prep work and common ingredients, this casserole is perfect for busy families and potlucks alike.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish The perfect size for feeding a family
  • Large skillet For browning the beef and onions
  • Wooden spoon or spatula To break up the meat as it cooks
  • Sharp knife and cutting board For chopping onions and garlic
  • Measuring cups and spoons To ensure accurate proportions
  • Mixing bowl For combining the creamy sauce ingredients
  • Aluminum foil To cover the casserole during initial baking

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ pounds ground beef 680g, use 80/20 for best flavor
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup 298g
  • 1 cup sour cream 240g
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided, 226g
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots 907g
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for browning the meat
  • fresh parsley chopped, optional, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, break it up, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.
  • Add diced onion to the beef and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Pour into the skillet with the beef mixture and stir over low heat. Add 1 cup of cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Remove from heat.
  • Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove foil, sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots, and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes until cheese is melted and tater tots are golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Don't skip draining the beef: Excess grease makes the casserole soggy and less appetizing.
  • Use full-fat dairy: Low-fat sour cream and cheese don't melt or taste as rich.
  • Keep tater tots frozen: Don't thaw them before adding to the casserole, or they'll get mushy.
  • Arrange tots in a single layer: Overlapping causes uneven cooking and some stay pale.
  • Let it rest before serving: This allows the filling to thicken and makes slicing easier.
  • Season generously: The tater tots themselves are bland, so the filling needs good seasoning.
  • Add cheese at the end: Adding cheese too early can make it tough and overcooked.
  • Make-ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time.
  • Freezer-friendly: Assemble completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15-20 minutes to cook time.
  • Storage: Cover tightly and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or microwave individual portions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 24gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 920mgPotassium: 580mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gCalcium: 220mgIron: 3mg
Keyword comfort food, easy casserole, family dinner, ground beef casserole, tater tot casserole
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