This Classic Tater Tot Casserole is a cozy dish that mixes ground beef, creamy soup, and, of course, crispy tater tots on top. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
Honestly, I love how easy it is to prepare—just throw the ingredients together and let the oven do the work. And who can resist that crunchy topping? Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef (or Turkey): Ground beef gives a hearty flavor, but ground turkey is a lighter alternative. I often use turkey for a healthier version, and you can opt for veggie crumbles for a meatless option.
Onion: A small chopped onion adds great flavor to the dish. If you’re not a fan of onions, try using onion powder instead, but fresh onions can’t be beaten for their texture and taste!
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: This is a convenient option. If you have fresh veggies like broccoli or bell peppers, feel free to use those instead. Just chop them finely! You can also skip the veggies for an even simpler version.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is essential for creaminess, but you can replace it with cream of chicken soup or make your own from scratch with broth and a thickener if you prefer. Canned soups can be high in sodium, so check labels!
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar brings a sharp flavor. Mozzarella or a cheese blend can be used if cheddar isn’t your favorite, or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Do You Ensure the Tater Tots Stay Crispy?
To achieve perfectly crispy tater tots, it’s important to spread them evenly over the mixture without crowding. This allows the heat to circulate properly.
- Preheat your oven to the right temperature and make sure it’s fully heated before baking.
- Don’t cover the dish with foil while baking, as this would trap moisture and make the tots soggy.
- Keep an eye on the tater tots while they bake. If they’re not browned after 30 minutes, give them a few extra minutes, but watch closely!
How to Make Classic Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, and carrots)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty tater tot casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook. So in total, you should set aside around 45 minutes for this delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to cook the casserole evenly.
2. Brown the Meat:
In a large skillet, cook your ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat until it’s browned. Make sure to drain the excess fat so the casserole isn’t greasy.
3. Sauté the Onions:
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned meat. Sauté the mixture for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. This adds a nice flavor to your dish.
4. Mix in the Veggies and Soup:
Now, stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until fully combined, creating a creamy filling.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly so every bite has the delicious filling.
6. Add the Tater Tots:
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the meat mixture. Make sure to cover it well for that classic, crispy topping.
7. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Now sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. This will melt and create a delicious cheesy layer when baked.
8. Bake the Casserole:
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. It should smell wonderful!
9. Cool and Garnish:
Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool slightly. This will help it set a little bit.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, garnish your casserole with the freshly chopped green onions. Enjoy your delicious classic tater tot casserole with family or friends!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic substitute for ground beef. It’s a bit leaner, so you might want to add a bit of olive oil when cooking to maintain moisture. The flavor will still be delicious, and you’ll reduce the fat content!
What If I Don’t Have Cream of Mushroom Soup?
No problem! You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup or even make a homemade version by combining equal parts sour cream and a little chicken broth with sautéed mushrooms. This will keep the creaminess while adding a great flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Casserole?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to reheat it, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
