Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that I turn to whenever I need something warm and satisfying. This dish features a golden, crispy layer of tater tots atop a savory blend of seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and creamy mushroom sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole is easy to make and even easier to customize! Whether you’re having a cozy dinner or attending a potluck, this recipe is guaranteed to please everyone around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
Here are 6 reasons why this dish is a family favorite:
- It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- The combination of crispy tater tots and creamy cheese is irresistible.
- This casserole is highly customizable with various toppings and ingredients.
- It’s perfect for meal prep; simply make it ahead and reheat for easy dinners.
- Great for potlucks; everyone loves a hearty casserole!
- This is a family-friendly Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Ingredients for Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
Gather these items for your delicious casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cups frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How to Make Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned.
- Step 3: Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Step 4: Stir in garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Step 5: Mix in the cream of mushroom soup and optional mixed vegetables; heat through.
- Step 6: Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Step 7: Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
- Step 8: Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer across the top.
- Step 9: Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until tots are crispy and golden.
- Step 10: Add a little more cheese in the last 5 minutes for an extra melty topping.
- Step 11: Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving; garnish with fresh parsley.
Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
Keep these in mind for optimal results:
- This dish is great for meal prep and potlucks.
- Customize by adding your favorite vegetables.
- For a crispier topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Using freshly shredded cheese enhances flavor and texture.
Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience:
- Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Pair with garlic bread for a comforting dinner.
- Top with diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
To store leftovers, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, approximately 20 minutes. This is a great easy cheesy tater tot recipe for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
What is a Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole?
A Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting dish made with layers of tater tots, ground beef, cheese, and creamy soup, baked until golden.
Can I make Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it before serving for a quick dinner.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole?
To avoid soggy tater tots, ensure the casserole is baked uncovered, allowing the tots to crisp up nicely.
Variations of Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole You Can Try
For a twist on the classic recipe, consider these variations:
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter dish.
- Add cooked bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Incorporate spinach or broccoli for a veggie boost.
- Create a Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Cream of Mushroom for a richer taste.
This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is truly a versatile dish that fits into any meal plan, making it a favorite in my household!
For more meal prep tips, check out this guide on efficient cooking.
Learn about the benefits of using fresh ingredients in your meals here.
For a deeper dive into casserole variations, visit this article.
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Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole: 5 Reasons to Love This Dish
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights. It features a crispy layer of tater tots on top of seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, and creamy mushroom sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cups frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Mix in the cream of mushroom soup and optional mixed vegetables; heat through.
- Spread beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer across the top.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until tots are crispy and golden.
- Add a little more cheese in the last 5 minutes for extra melty topping.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving; garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- This dish is great for meal prep and potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, meal prep