- Preheat the oven: Set to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, sauté ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic over medium heat until beef is browned and onions are tender. Drain excess fat.
- Make the sauce: Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Mix in frozen vegetables and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with frozen tater tots in a single layer.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until tater tots are golden brown and crispy and casserole is bubbly.
- Add cheese: Remove from the oven and sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm and comforting!
Serving and Storage
Serve this Easy Tater Tot Casserole as a complete meal with a side salad or steamed vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a few extra minutes if needed to crisp the tater tots.
Tips:
- Use a mix of vegetables such as peas, carrots, and corn for added color and flavor.
- For extra crispy tater tots, bake uncovered and avoid stirring before serving.
- Add a dash of smoked paprika or onion powder to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- Shredded cheddar can be substituted with Colby or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
Conclusion:
Easy Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or comfort food cravings. With its layers of savory beef, creamy mushroom sauce, vegetables, melted cheese, and golden tater tots, it’s a family favorite that’s simple to make yet full of flavor. This one-dish meal brings warmth, comfort, and smiles to every dinner table.
FAQ:
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of tater tots?
Yes, any brand or style works, but larger tots may need slightly longer baking time.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze cooked casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until heated through.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, substitute ground beef with a plant-based meat or cooked lentils and use vegetable soup instead of cream of mushroom soup if desired.
Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely! Layer more cheese on top or mix extra cheese into the sauce for a richer casserole.