Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheese into one irresistible meal? Look no further! This Favorite Tater Tot Casserole is about to become your new go-to comfort food that will have everyone at the dinner table begging for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family gatherings, this classic American dish is guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters and leave everyone feeling warm and happy.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly.
- In a large skillet, over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion to the skillet. Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and tender.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup, mixing well until the beef and onions are fully combined with the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread the beef and soup mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture, distributing it evenly.
- Finally, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. Make sure they cover the entire surface for a crispy topping.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the layers set slightly.
- Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious Favorite Tater Tot Casserole with family and friends!
Tips
- Use lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to minimize excess grease in your casserole.
- Make sure to drain the beef thoroughly after cooking to prevent a soggy bottom layer.
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or dried herbs like thyme to your beef mixture.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- For a crispy top, place the casserole under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like frozen mixed vegetables or green beans.
- Prep this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake for an easy make-ahead meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
