Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Looking for the ultimate comfort food that combines crispy, golden tater tots with a creamy, savory filling? This Tater Tot Casserole recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner! As a busy mom of three, I’ve made countless casseroles over the years, but this one consistently earns rave reviews from both kids and adults alike.

What makes this dish truly special is how it transforms humble ingredients into a meal that’s greater than the sum of its parts tender ground beef, perfectly seasoned vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with crispy tater tots that create an irresistible crunchy crown.

If you’ve enjoyed my popular Ground Beef Stroganoff recipe, you’ll absolutely love this tater tot casserole. It uses similar comfort food elements but adds that amazing crispy potato topping that everyone fights over.

Ready in just under an hour with minimal prep work, this casserole is perfect for those hectic weeknight dinners when you want something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation!

What is Tater Tot Casserole?

Ever wondered who first looked at those cute little potato nuggets and thought, “Hey, let’s make these the star of a casserole”? Tater Tot Casserole, affectionately known as “tater tot hotdish” in Minnesota, is the kind of genius comfort food creation that makes you wonder why you didn’t think of it yourself! They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and let me tell you, this casserole has been winning hearts (and appetites) since the 1950s when Ore-Ida first introduced tater tots to the world.

It’s like a warm hug in casserole form and who couldn’t use more of those? Ready to discover your new favorite comfort food? Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Tater Tot Casserole:

There’s something magical about the combination of crispy tater tots and creamy, seasoned ground beef that makes this dish absolutely irresistible. First, let’s talk about the star of the show – those perfectly golden-brown tater tots create a crispy top layer that adds incredible texture and potato goodness to every bite.

Budget-wise, this casserole is a winner, using affordable ingredients like ground beef and frozen vegetables to create a filling meal that can easily feed a family of six for under $15.

The creamy mushroom sauce brings everything together, infusing the dish with rich, savory flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

If you’re a fan of my Shepherd’s Pie recipe, you’ll appreciate how this casserole offers a similar cozy vibe but with an even easier preparation method. Don’t wait – grab your casserole dish and let’s create some comfort food magic!

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole:

Quick Overview

This satisfying casserole comes together in just 45 minutes, with only 15 minutes of active prep time. The combination of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and creamy sauce creates a hearty base, while the tater tots turn golden brown and crispy in the oven, creating an irresistible contrast of textures.

Key Ingredients for Tater Tot Casserole:

• 2 lbs frozen tater tots
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up into small pieces (about 8-10 minutes).
3. Add diced onions and garlic to the beef, cooking until onions are translucent (about 5 minutes).
4. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, frozen vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Sprinkle half the shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
7. Arrange the frozen tater tots in neat rows on top, covering the entire surface.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
9. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and return to oven for 5 minutes until melted.

What to Serve Tater Tot Casserole With:

This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides that balance its richness. Try serving it with:

• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Roasted carrots with honey glaze
• A side of tangy coleslaw
• Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread

Top Tips for Perfecting Tater Tot Casserole:

1. Don’t thaw the tater tots before baking – they should go on top while still frozen for maximum crispiness.
2. For extra flavor, try using half ground beef and half Italian sausage in the meat mixture.
3. If the top isn’t browning enough, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
4. For a crispier bottom layer, pre-bake the tater tots for 10 minutes before adding them to the casserole.
5. Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to help it set up properly.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

This casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. For best results, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. While you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months, the tater tots may lose some of their crispiness upon thawing.

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes to re-crisp the top. For single servings, microwave for 2-3 minutes, though note that the tater tots won’t be as crispy when microwaved.

Pro tip: If you’re planning to freeze this casserole, consider slightly underbaking it initially, so the tater tots don’t become too brown when you reheat it later.

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