Loaded Tater Tot Casserole

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the ground beef over medium heat. Cook until it’s nicely browned.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is tender and translucent.
4. Pour in the cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Stir everything together until fully combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Spread the beef mixture evenly in a greased casserole dish.
6. Arrange the frozen tater tots on top in a single layer for even coverage.
7. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Best ways to enjoy it

Loaded Tater Tot Casserole is perfect on its own, but you can elevate the meal with simple side dishes. Think fresh garden salads, coleslaw for a crunch, or even a side of garlic bread. For a festive touch, serve with a dollop of sour cream on the plate alongside fresh chives or sliced green onions for garnish.

How to store

If you have any leftovers (which might be a challenge!), store them safely. Let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Leftover casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just remember to cover it well.

Helpful cooking tips

To enhance your Loaded Tater Tot Casserole, consider browning your beef with some spices, like paprika or chili powder, for added flavor depth. If you enjoy a bit of heat, toss in some diced jalapeños with the beef. Additionally, if you’d like a bit of crunch, you can sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top before baking—yum!

Creative twists

Feeling adventurous? There are many ways to modify this classic casserole. Swap out the cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery for a different base flavor, or try adding cooked vegetables like diced bell peppers or corn for extra color and nutrition. If you’re craving some spice, add diced green chilies or a sprinkle of taco seasoning into the beef mixture.

FAQs

What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?

You can use cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a homemade white sauce if you prefer a healthier option.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture a day in advance and assemble the casserole just before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.

How do I reheat leftover casserole?

To reheat, cover the dish with aluminum foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings if you’re in a rush.

Loaded Tater Tot Casserole

A delightful blend of flavors combining hearty ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots into a warm, satisfying dish that's perfect for family dinners or game day.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or a meat substitute.
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Casserole Base

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup Can substitute with cream of chicken or cream of celery.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Can use Monterey Jack or pepper jack for variation.
• 1 cup sour cream

Tater Tots

• 1 bag frozen tater tots

Seasoning

• to taste Salt and pepper

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the ground beef over medium heat. Cook until it’s nicely browned.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is tender and translucent.
4. Pour in the cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Stir everything together until fully combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Spread the beef mixture evenly in a greased casserole dish.
6. Arrange the frozen tater tots on top in a single layer for even coverage.

Baking

1. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
2. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Best enjoyed with fresh garden salads, coleslaw, or garlic bread. For a festive touch, serve with a dollop of sour cream on the plate alongside fresh chives or sliced green onions for garnish. To enhance flavor, consider adding spices like paprika or chili powder when browning the beef.