Easy Tater Tot Casserole – If you’re craving comfort food. That’s quick to prepare. And sure to satisfy the whole family. Look no further than this Easy Tater Tot Casserole. This hearty dish. Combines lean ground beef, mixed vegetables, and creamy layers of cheddar cheese. Topped with crispy tater tots. It’s a savory delight. That brings warmth. And joy to any meal. Ready in just an hour. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights. Or a cozy weekend dinner.
I remember the first time. I made this casserole for my husband. And child. It was a chilly evening. And we needed something warm. And comforting. The moment the casserole came out of the oven. Bubbling and golden. The whole house smelled incredible. My husband took one bite. And declared it a new family favorite. Even my picky eater child. Couldn’t resist the crispy tater tots. And cheesy goodness. Since then, this recipe has become a regular in our household. Always bringing smiles. And full bellies.
What makes this Easy Tater Tot Casserole truly special?
This Easy Tater Tot Casserole. Is quick to prepare. Family-friendly, and incredibly versatile. It’s the ultimate comfort food. With layers of seasoned beef, mixed veggies, and gooey cheese. Topped with crispy tater tots. Perfect for busy weeknights. Or a cozy weekend dinner. This dish will become a staple in your home.
What You Need To Make This Easy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe?
Lean Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef. Keeps the dish hearty. But not too greasy. If you prefer a different protein. Ground turkey or chicken works great too.
Sea Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, and Black Pepper: These pantry staples add a simple. But essential flavor base to the beef. Feel free to adjust the amounts. To suit your taste.
Cream of Celery Soup: This soup adds a creamy texture. And a comforting, savory flavor. If you’re not a fan of celery. Cream of mushroom soup is a good alternative.
Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of this tangy sauce. Enhances the meat’s flavor. Giving it a deeper, more complex taste.
Sour Cream and Milk: These ingredients create a rich, smooth consistency. That binds everything together. Full-fat sour cream adds the best flavor. But you can use light sour cream if you prefer.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Convenient and colorful. These veggies add nutrition. And texture. You can mix and match your favorites. Peas, carrots, corn, and green beans all work well.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty, gooey, and delicious. Cheddar is classic. But you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a spicy Pepper Jack. For a kick.
Frozen Tater Tots: The crispy crown of this casserole. They turn golden and crunchy in the oven. Providing a perfect contrast. To the creamy filling.
Steps To Make Easy Tater Tot Casserole:
Step 1: Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. And spray a casserole dish. With non-stick spray.
Step 2: Cook Beef: In a large skillet. Cook the ground beef over medium-high heat. Until it’s no longer pink. If you’re not using lean beef. Make sure to drain the fat.
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Step 3: Season Beef: Season the meat with sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce.
Step 4: Add Creamy Ingredients: Stir in the cream of celery soup, milk, and sour cream. Until well combined.
Step 5: Add Vegetables: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables.
Step 6: Assemble Casserole: Spoon the meat mixture. Into the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese. And arrange the tater tots evenly over the top.
Step 7: Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes. Or until heated through. And bubbly. For crispier tater tots. Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Step 8: Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tip:
For an extra burst of flavor. And a bit of a kick. Try adding a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce. Or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Into the meat mixture. This simple addition. Will elevate the taste profile of your casserole. Adding a subtle heat. That perfectly complements the savory ingredients. Without being overwhelming. If your family loves spicy food. You can even sprinkle some extra red pepper flakes on top before baking. Remember, a little goes a long way. So start with a small amount. And adjust to your taste. This tip not only enhances the flavor. But also adds a layer of excitement to each bite. Making your casserole. Even more irresistible.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes. You can easily make this recipe gluten-free. By using a gluten-free cream of celery soup. And ensuring that all other ingredients, like the Worcestershire sauce and tater tots. Are gluten-free.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance. And store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake. Simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time. To ensure it’s heated through.
Can I use different vegetables or cheese?
Definitely! Feel free to substitute the mixed vegetables. With your favorite veggies. Or use a different type of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack. For a twist on the classic flavor.
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<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Easy Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 1½ lb lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 10 ounces can cream of celery soup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ c sour cream
- ¼ c milk
- 1 c frozen mixed vegetables
- 4 c shredded cheddar cheese
- 16 oz frozen tater tots or enough to cover the dish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. And spray a casserole dish. With non-stick spray.
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet. Over medium-high heat. Until it's no longer pink. Drain any fat if necessary.
- Season the cooked beef with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix in the cream of celery soup, milk, and sour cream. Until well combined.
- Remove from heat. And stir in the frozen mixed vegetables.
- Spoon the meat mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese. And arrange the tater tots on top.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Until the casserole is heated through. And bubbly. For crispier tots. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
- Let the casserole rest. For about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
