Imagine a dish that combines the crispy, golden crunch of tater tots with the wholesome goodness of green beans, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Green Bean Tater Tot Casserole is not just a meal; it's a nostalgic journey back to comforting family dinners that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish or a satisfying main course, this recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to comfort food that's both easy to make and impossible to resist!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- Wash and trim the fresh green beans, cutting them into roughly 2-inch pieces. If using fresh beans, blanch them in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender, then immediately drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add the blanched green beans to the soup mixture and stir gently to coat the beans evenly with the sauce.
- Transfer the green bean and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the green bean mixture, covering the entire surface.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the tater tots.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot as a comforting main dish or side dish, perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
Tips
- Fresh vs. Frozen: While fresh green beans work best, you can use frozen green beans in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them completely before mixing.
- Crispy Tater Tot Technique: For extra crispy tater tots, arrange them in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the dish. This ensures they get golden and crunchy on all sides.
- Cheese Variation: Feel free to experiment with different cheese types like pepper jack for a spicy kick or a blend of cheeses for more complex flavor.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- Customization Options: Add cooked ground beef or shredded chicken to turn this into a complete one-dish meal, or sprinkle some crispy bacon bits on top for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
