Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Few dinners please a crowd the way this Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole does. Featuring a golden, crispy layer of tater tots over a savory filling of seasoned beef, vegetables, and creamy sauce, it’s a classic comfort dish that combines bold flavor with unbeatable ease—a perfect solution for hungry families or last-minute guests.
Why This Tater Tot Casserole is a Must-Make
This recipe’s appeal lies in its simplicity: minimal prep, ingredients you likely already have on hand, and a hearty, all-in-one meal. The crisp tater tots offer satisfying texture, while the rich filling delivers deep, cozy flavors—all with less than 15 minutes of hands-on effort. It’s tailor-made for busy weeknights or effortless batch cooking.
Secrets to a Flavorful Filling
The recipe starts with browning ground beef and onions, building a flavor base you can enhance with a dash of garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and a hint of black pepper. Cream of mushroom soup, along with a medley of mixed vegetables, gives your casserole creamy depth and wholesome nutrition.
Layering Your Tater Tot Casserole
After sauteing the beef mixture, simply spread it in a baking dish, layer on the soup and veggies, then top everything with an even blanket of frozen tater tots. Baking renders the tots golden-brown and crispy, sealing in the savory filling beneath.
Serving Suggestions for a Tater Tot Casserole Crowd Pleaser
Serve piping hot from the oven with a simple side salad or steamed green beans for balance. For added richness, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking, or add a dollop of sour cream on each serving.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about 6 generous servings, with each portion providing roughly 400–500 calories (depending on cheese and veggie add-ins). Tater Tot Casserole offers a comfort-food fix that satisfies both adults and kids.
Ingredients
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Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or oil.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onions until beef is browned and onions are soft. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add garlic (if using), Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and frozen mixed vegetables until well combined. Remove from heat.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- If using cheese, sprinkle half over the beef layer. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top. Finish with the remaining cheese, if desired.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until tater tots are golden and crispy and filling is bubbly. For extra crispness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end (watch closely!).
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
Weekly Meal Planning
This tater tot casserole is ideal for meal prep and weekly menu planning. Save and schedule this recipe to easily map out your week, consolidating shopping lists and streamlining time spent at the grocery store.
**Planning Benefits:**
– Automatically calculates ingredient totals for all planned meals
– Organizes products by grocery aisle for stress-free shopping
– Prevents overbuying and missed ingredients
– Makes weekly meal prep smoother and more efficient
Pro tip: When planning several meals at once, schedule your recipes and let CookifyAI figure out the exact quantities you’ll need—say goodbye to guesswork and food waste!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole Recipe (Recap)
This recipe delivers big comfort and flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. A crispy tater tot topping over a hearty beef and veggie filling is sure to satisfy even picky eaters—give it a try and watch it become a regular on your dinner rotation!