This hearty and comforting tater tot casserole is a family favorite, loaded with layers of ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, melted cheese, and crispy golden tater tots. It’s an easy, one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, bringing delicious flavors and textures together in every bite.
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
- Number of servings: 6
- Serving size: 1 slice (about 200g)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 450g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 300g (10 oz) canned condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 120ml (½ cup) sour cream
- 150g (1 ½ cups) shredded cheddar cheese
- 150g (1 ½ cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 450g (16 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 30g (¼ cup) fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Detailed Method of Preparation:
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Prepare the Creamy Filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese (75g each).
Assemble the Casserole:
- In a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Pour the creamy mushroom mixture over the beef, spreading it out to cover.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer on top of the filling.
Bake the Casserole:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
Add the Cheese:
- Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy!
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Drain the beef well: This prevents the casserole from becoming too greasy.
- Use frozen tater tots: They will crisp up perfectly in the oven. No need to thaw them beforehand.
- Customize the cheese: Try using pepper jack or gouda for a twist on the classic flavors.
- Add veggies: Mix in some frozen peas, carrots, or corn for added texture and nutrition.
- Use a glass baking dish: This allows you to check the crispness of the tater tots as they bake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a leaner alternative to beef, with similar delicious results.
- Can I freeze tater tot casserole? Yes, freeze the unbaked casserole, covered, for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as instructed.
- What can I serve with tater tot casserole? A simple green salad or steamed veggies make great sides to balance the richness of the casserole.
- Can I use homemade cream sauce instead of canned soup? Yes! For a homemade version, mix 240ml (1 cup) of milk with 1 tbsp of flour and cook over medium heat until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for a fresh alternative.
Warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this tater tot casserole is a surefire hit for any meal. Whether you're feeding a crowd or looking for a comforting weeknight dinner, its crispy tots and creamy filling will have everyone coming back for seconds. Make it once, and this dish will become a regular on your menu!