Description
This classic Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, crispy golden tater tots, and melted Cheddar cheese baked to perfection. It’s a simple, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 (16 ounce) package frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and crumbly, about 7 to 10 minutes. Be sure to break up the meat evenly for consistent cooking.
- Mix Soup and Seasoning: Stir the condensed cream of mushroom soup into the cooked ground beef mixture. Season with salt and ground black pepper according to your taste preferences, mixing well to combine.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the beef and soup mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Layer the frozen tater tots uniformly over the beef mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly on top of the tater tots to create a rich, melted cheese layer during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and cooked through, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, let it cool slightly, then serve warm. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish with your family or friends!
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for different flavors.
- For extra veggies, consider adding a layer of cooked green beans or corn under the tater tots.
- Use reduced-fat cheese or lean ground beef for a lighter version.
- Ensure tater tots are spread in a single even layer for uniform crispiness.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
