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Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that always comes to my rescue on the busiest nights. Everything bakes up creamy and bubbly under a golden and crispy top and you only need one pan to get a full dinner on the table. No fights over sides means more time around the table together. With even the pickiest eaters asking for seconds, this recipe is on constant rotation at my house.
When I first made this I was not sure my children would go for something so simple but now it is the most requested dinner on our meal plan especially on cold nights.
Ingredients
- Frozen tater tots: for a crispy golden topping that also bakes into the casserole
- Ground beef: brings hearty comfort and flavor try to pick 85 percent lean for the best balance of taste and less grease
- Yellow onion: adds natural sweetness look for firm heavy onions with dry papery skin
- Onion powder: a quick way to boost the onion flavor and perfect as a pantry staple
- Garlic powder: adds depth go for a fresh smelling powder for full flavor
- Black pepper: for a mild heat and earthy note use freshly ground for the most punch
- Cream of mushroom soup: delivers richness and binds all the layers together pick a low sodium version if possible
- Cheddar cheese soup: makes it extra creamy and cheesy use the best brand you can find for flavor
- Corn: adds pops of sweetness and texture fresh or frozen work but drained canned corn is classic
- Shredded cheddar cheese: for the gooey cheesy crust buy block cheddar and shred it yourself for meltier results
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Tater Tots:
- Bake the frozen tater tots in a 9x13 casserole at 350 degrees for twenty minutes to kick start crispiness and prevent sogginess later
- Brown the Beef and Onion:
- Cook ground beef with diced yellow onion in a large skillet over medium heat until the meat is browned and no pink remains drain off any grease so your casserole is not heavy
- Season the Mixture:
- Sprinkle in the onion powder garlic powder and black pepper stir to evenly coat for a flavorful base
- Mix in the Soups and Corn:
- Add one can each of cream of mushroom soup and cheddar cheese soup along with drained corn gently fold everything together until combined and creamy
- Assemble the Layers:
- Remove the baked tater tots from your casserole dish spoon in the beef mixture in an even layer and then arrange the tater tots back on top so each bite gets crispy topping
- Add Cheddar and Bake:
- Scatter shredded cheddar cheese all over the tater tots return to the oven and bake for twenty more minutes or until the tots are richly golden and the cheese is bubbling
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the casserole rest for about ten minutes so it sets up and is easier to scoop and serve
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When I make this I always look forward to the way the cheddar cheese melts into the hot tater tots. My favorite memory is my youngest scraping every last golden crispy edge from the pan during a snow day supper.
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool fully then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three days. For longer storage freeze portions up to two months and reheat in the oven to bring back crispiness. Cover with foil to avoid over browning.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap the ground beef with ground turkey or even cooked shredded chicken for a lighter spin. Cream of chicken soup can stand in for cream of mushroom without losing any of the classic flavor. Add a handful of green beans or diced bell pepper to sneak in extra veggies.
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Serving Suggestions
Scoop up the casserole with a spatula and serve it with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal. For parties I love to top it with a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce and a sprinkle of sliced scallions.
Cultural and Historical Context
Tater tot casseroles first became popular in Midwest kitchens as a practical way to stretch meat and make use of canned soups and frozen vegetables. Today every family puts their own spin on it but that cozy feeling remains unchanged. For me it always brings back memories of friends crowding around my kitchen island as the casserole cools.
Commonly Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different soup instead of cream of mushroom?
Yes, cream of chicken soup is a popular alternative. It offers a slightly different flavor but works well with the other ingredients.
- → How do I achieve extra crispy tater tots?
Bake the tater tots once before assembling the casserole to crisp them up. Then add them on top and bake again until golden brown for best results.
- → What vegetables can I add for variety?
Canned green beans and diced bell pepper are excellent additions. They add color and enhance the flavors while maintaining the hearty texture.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole ahead, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. Bake just before serving to keep the tater tots crisp.
- → What cheese works best for topping?
Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully and creates a savory crust on top. You may also try a blend of cheeses for extra flavor.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. Use vegetarian soup options to suit your dietary preference.