Description
Midwestern comfort shines in this cheesy tater tot casserole, blending hearty ground beef with crispy potato bites. Golden layers of melted cheese and savory filling make this dish a crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
Starch and Cheese:
- 1 package frozen tater tots
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
Flavor and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Ignite the oven to a sizzling 375F (190C), preparing for a comforting culinary adventure.
- Warm olive oil in a skillet and gently coax onions and garlic into a translucent, fragrant state.
- Introduce ground beef to the pan, browning it thoroughly while seasoning with salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika for depth.
- Blend cream of mushroom soup and sour cream into the meat, creating a rich, creamy foundation.
- Incorporate any desired vegetables, folding them seamlessly into the hearty mixture.
- Lovingly transfer the savory concoction into a prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Artfully blanket the beef mixture with a uniform layer of frozen tater tots, ensuring complete coverage.
- Shower the surface with a generous cascade of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 30-35 minutes until the tots achieve a golden crispness and the cheese melts into a bubbling masterpiece.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley as a final flourish before serving this comfort food directly from the oven.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- Add diced bell peppers or frozen mixed vegetables to boost nutritional value and create more colorful layers in the casserole.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and double-check that the tater tots are certified gluten-free.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier without losing the crispy tater tot texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg