Get ready to discover the ultimate comfort food that's about to revolutionize your dinner game! Our Million Dollar Casserole isn't just another recipe—it's a mouthwatering masterpiece that combines the irresistible crunch of golden tater tots with a creamy, cheesy beef base that'll have your family begging for seconds. Imagine a dish so delicious, it could literally make you feel like a million bucks with just one bite!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Thoroughly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onions. Break the meat into small crumbles and cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the beef and onion mixture using a colander. Return the meat to the skillet.
- Add cream of mushroom soup and sour cream to the beef. Stir thoroughly to combine and create a creamy mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, covering the entire surface of the casserole.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
- Serve hot, cutting into 8 equal portions. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions.
Tips
- Drain the ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole. Use a colander and even pat the meat with paper towels for best results.
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded for a more melty, creamy texture.
- Make sure your tater tots are arranged in a single, even layer to ensure uniform crispiness.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help the layers set and make serving easier.
- For a lighter version, you can use lean ground beef and low-fat sour cream and cheese.
- This casserole freezes beautifully! Prepare it ahead of time and bake when ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
