Description
Hearty Tater Tot Casserole delivers comfort straight from midwestern kitchens, blending savory ground beef with crispy potato gems. Cheesy layers and simple ingredients create a satisfying meal that welcomes you to the table with warmth and nostalgia.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 grams) ground beef
- 1 package (32 ounces / 907 grams) frozen tater tots
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetable and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: 1 cup (150 grams) frozen peas or green beans
Seasoning and Binding:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) for optimal cooking temperature.
- Select a large skillet and warm olive oil over medium heat, gently sautéing chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and aromatic.
- Introduce ground beef to the skillet, generously seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook thoroughly until the meat develops a rich, caramelized brown color. Carefully drain any accumulated fat.
- Create a creamy sauce by incorporating cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
- Transfer the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring an even, consistent layer across the bottom.
- Distribute frozen peas or green beans evenly over the beef layer for added nutrition and color.
- Carefully position frozen tater tots in a uniform pattern across the entire surface of the casserole, covering the entire dish.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for golden-brown, crispy tater tots and bubbling edges.
- Remove from oven, allow to cool briefly, then serve piping hot for maximum flavor and enjoyment.
Notes
- Customize the casserole by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option.
- Consider adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.
- Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and opting for reduced-fat cheese varieties.
- Prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling everything except the tater tots, then add them just before baking to maintain their crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 436 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg