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Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

5 from 6 reviews

A comforting and easy-to-make Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy golden tater tots topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey along with the diced onion until the meat is no longer pink. Drain excess grease carefully to reduce fat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Prepare Sauce: Add the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir everything together well to create a creamy, flavorful mixture.
  4. Assemble Casserole: Evenly spread the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Then arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture, ensuring full coverage.
  5. Bake First Phase: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
  6. Add Cheese Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots, then return to the oven. Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  7. Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions if desired for added color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef to lower fat content.
  • If cream of mushroom soup is unavailable, cream of chicken soup works well as a substitute.
  • For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
  • If you want to prep ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it before baking; just add extra baking time if baking from cold.
  • To keep the dish gluten-free, verify that the cream soup and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free brands.
  • Adding vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms can boost nutrition and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy tater tot casserole, tater tot bake, ground beef casserole, easy comfort food, family dinner, cheesy casserole