This Tater Tot casserole is a quick and easy dinner that everyone will love. Just four basic ingredients come together to create this comforting dish. This casserole recipe is simple, affordable, and incredibly satisfying, making it a favorite at the dinner table.
Ingredients
– 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
– 1 can (10.5 ounces / 300 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup
– Salt and ground black pepper to taste
– 1 package (16 ounces / 450 grams) frozen tater tots
– 2 cups (200 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. **Gather the Ingredients**: Assemble all the necessary ingredients.
2. **Preheat the Oven**: Set your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
3. **Cook the Beef**: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir the ground beef in the hot skillet until it is completely browned and crumbly, about 7 to 10 minutes.
4. **Add Soup and Seasonings**: Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. **Transfer to Baking Dish**: Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Layer the frozen tater tots evenly on top of the beef mixture.
6. **Add Cheese**: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the tater tots.
7. **Bake**: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the tater tots are golden brown and hot, about 30 to 45 minutes.
8. **Serve**: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
– Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
– Top with chopped green onions or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.
Cooking Tips
– For extra flavor, add a diced onion to the ground beef while cooking.
– Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
– Add a layer of mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots) between the beef and tater tots for extra nutrition.
Storing Recommendations
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
– Calories: Approximately 400
– Protein: 20g
– Carbohydrates: 28g
– Fat: 22g
– Fiber: 2g
– Sugar: 1g
FAQs
**Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
**Q: Can I use a different type of soup?**
A: Yes, cream of chicken or celery soup can be used as alternatives.
**Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?**
A: Ensure that the condensed soup and tater tots are gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
**Q: Can I add other ingredients?**
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add cooked bacon, green beans, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
**Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?**
A: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative and use a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup.
Total Calories: Approximately 400 calories per serving
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Number of Servings: 6 servings