Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients:
- Tater Tots:
- Amount: 2 bags (about 32 ounces total)
- Preparation: Frozen. No need to thaw before use.
- Ground Beef:
- Amount: 2 pounds
- Preparation: Cooked and browned. Season to taste.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup:
- Amount: 1-2 cans (10.5 ounces each)
- Preparation: Use condensed soup.
- Corn:
- Amount: 1 can (15 ounces)
- Preparation: Drain before adding.
- Shredded Cheese:
- Amount: 2 cups (or more if preferred)
- Type: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend.
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Temperature: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Process:
- Add 2 pounds of ground beef to the skillet.
- Cook, breaking the beef apart with a spoon or spatula, until fully browned and no longer pink (about 7-10 minutes).
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Season the Ground Beef:
- Seasonings:
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional: Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or any other preferred spices.
- Mix: Stir well to combine.
- Prepare the Meat Mixture:
- Mixing Bowl:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef with 1-2 cans of cream of mushroom soup.
- Stir in the drained can of corn.
- Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Baking Dish:
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Layering:
- Layer 1: Spread half of the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Layer 2: Pour the beef and soup mixture over the first layer of tater tots, spreading it out evenly.
- Layer 3: Place the remaining tater tots on top of the beef mixture.
- Layer 4: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly over the tater tots.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Instructions:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes.
- Checking:
- The tater tots should be golden brown and crispy.
- The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
- Cool and Serve:
- Cooling: Let the casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to serve.
Additional Tips:
- Layering: Ensure the tater tots are spread evenly to avoid any soggy spots.
- Texture: If you like extra crispy tater tots, bake them for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans to the beef mixture for added nutrition.
- Cheese Variations: Use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor, or add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
This Tater Tot Casserole is a versatile, comforting dish that’s great for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping. Enjoy your homemade, hearty meal!