Hearty Tater Tot Casserole: Simple Weeknight Meal (Print Version)
Easy Tater Tot Casserole: Your weeknight hero! This cheesy, hearty recipe brings comfort and smiles to any dinner table. My simple steps make it foolproof.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat-Lover
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
02 -
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
03 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1 (10.5 oz / 298g) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
05 -
1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
→ Crispy Topping & Flavor
06 -
1 (32 oz / 900g) bag frozen tater tots
07 -
2 cups (220g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
08 -
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
09 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
→ Optional Flavor Boosters
10 -
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
# Instructions:
01 -
First, get your skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat. Toss in that ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You're looking for it to brown beautifully, no pink bits left. Drain off any excess fat – I usually just tilt the pan and use a spoon, messy but effective! Then, add your chopped onion. Let it soften and get translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Oh, the smell of browning beef and sautéing onions? That’s the start of something good, hon.
02 -
Now, stir in your minced garlic. Let it cook for just a minute until it’s fragrant – don't let it burn, that's a mistake I made once, and it tasted bitter, ugh. Pour in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and the milk. Stir it all together until it's smooth and creamy. This is where the magic starts happening for our weeknight dinner; you'll see it thicken up a bit, creating that luscious base.
03 -
Season your creamy beef mixture with salt, pepper, and if you're feeling it, a splash of Worcestershire. Give it a good stir and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld together. While it's simmering, you can preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Don't forget this step like I did that one time! The kitchen starts to smell so comforting right about now.
04 -
Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the entire beef mixture into the bottom and spread it out evenly. This is the foundation for your comforting hotdish, so make sure it's nice and flat. I always try to get it perfectly level, though sometimes it looks a bit… rustic, let's say. No worries, it'll still taste amazing!
05 -
Now for the fun part! Sprinkle about half of your shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture. Then, arrange those frozen tater tots in a single layer right on top. Try to get them as close as possible without overlapping too much for maximum crispiness. I always sneak a tot or two here, a little quality control, you know? This layer is crucial for the classic experience.
06 -
Pop that dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly. In the last 5-10 minutes, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the tots and let it melt into gooey deliciousness. When it comes out, the kitchen smells like pure comfort, and honestly, I can barely wait to dig in. That's the beauty of a simple, satisfying meal!
# Notes:
01 -
Never skip draining the fat from the ground beef; your casserole will be greasy, trust me.
02 -
Let the casserole cool completely before covering for storage to avoid soggy tots.
03 -
Cream of chicken soup is a decent substitute for mushroom, but expect a slightly different flavor.
04 -
Serve with a simple green salad and a zesty vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
9x13 inch baking dish
03 -
spatula
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450-550 Calories
Total Fat: 25-35g