Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines ground meat, vegetables, and creamy sauce, all topped with crispy tater tots. It’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a family gathering!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or sausage)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Meat:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent and the meat is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3. Mix the Filling:
- In the skillet with the cooked meat, stir in the cream of mushroom soup, frozen mixed vegetables, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until everything is well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the meat mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the meat mixture.
5. Add the Tater Tots:
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the meat mixture. You can cover the entire surface for a crispy topping.
6. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm as a hearty main dish!
Tips:
- Variations: Feel free to customize by adding cooked bacon, diced bell peppers, or using different types of cheese on top.
- Make it Spicy: Add a bit of hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for an extra kick.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
This Tater Tot Casserole is sure to become a family favorite, providing a delicious blend of flavors and textures in every bite!