– **Title**: Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 package (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil for greasing the baking dish
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, frozen mixed vegetables, salt, and pepper, combining everything well.
4. Pour the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat mixture.
6. Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the cheese evenly, covering the entire casserole.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious tater tot casserole!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein in your casserole. You can swap it with ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try a mixture of black beans and quinoa instead.
Onion: A diced onion adds flavor, but if you don’t have any, shallots or leeks can work too. For a milder taste, use green onions instead.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess and depth. If you prefer a healthier option, you can use a homemade white sauce or opt for cream of chicken or celery soup. For a dairy-free choice, there are also plant-based creams available.
Mixed Vegetables: Frozen peas and carrots are staples. You could also use corn or bell peppers, or even fresh veggies. Just chop them small so they cook well.
Cheddar Cheese: A must for a cheesy topping! While sharp cheddar offers lots of flavor, you could substitute it with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even vegan cheese if you’re dairy-free.
How Can I Ensure the Tater Tots Are Perfectly Crispy?
Getting those tater tots crispy is key to a great casserole. Here are some steps to ensure they come out just right:
- Use frozen tater tots directly from the bag without thawing. Thawing can lead to sogginess.
- Spread them in a single layer for even cooking and crispiness. Crowding will result in steaming instead of crisping.
- Keep the oven temperature at 375°F (190°C) to allow the tots to develop that golden brown color without burning the cheese.
- Wait until the first baking period is complete before adding the final layer of cheese. This creates a nice baked layer that won’t sog up the tots.
Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas and carrots)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Casserole:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Optional: green onions or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a bit of time browning the beef and mixing in the other ingredients, followed by baking everything together until golden and cheesy. Perfect for a family meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready to bake.
2. Cook the Beef and Onion:
In a large skillet, add the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat. Cook them together until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep things nice and healthy!
3. Mix in the Good Stuff:
Now, stir in the cream of mushroom soup, frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes so everything is heated through.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over this hearty mixture, making it extra cheesy!
5. Top with Tater Tots:
Now it’s time for the star of the show: arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. This will be the crispy topping that everyone loves.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Add More Cheese:
Take the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Pop it back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving—it’s always good to give it a little rest! If you’d like, you can garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh look. Enjoy your delicious tater tot casserole with family and friends!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute like lentils or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. If using turkey or chicken, consider adding a bit of seasoning to enhance the flavor, as they can be milder than beef.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you prefer to skip the canned soup, you can create a homemade version using a white sauce. Simply melt 2 tablespoons of butter, stir in 2 tablespoons of flour, and gradually add 1 cup of milk until thickened. You can also use cream of chicken or vegetable soup as a substitute!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just add an extra few minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can pop it in the microwave or place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If the cheese has hardened, adding a splash of milk can help restore some creaminess!
