Tater Tots Casserole Recipe

Ground beef: Provides a hearty and savory base for the casserole.

Cream of mushroom soup: Adds creaminess and depth of flavor to the beef mixture.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the casserole, adding a rich, cheesy taste.

Frozen tater tots: Creates a crispy, golden topping for the casserole.

Chopped onions: Adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

When browning the ground beef and chopped onions in the skillet, make sure to break the beef into small, even pieces. This ensures that the beef cooks evenly and combines well with the cream of mushroom soup and shredded cheddar cheese. Additionally, for an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture while it cooks. This will enhance the overall taste of the casserole.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor.

• ground beef - Substitute with lentils: Lentils offer a plant-based protein alternative and a hearty texture.

• cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with cream of chicken soup: Cream of chicken soup provides a similar creamy consistency and flavor profile.

• cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream can add a creamy texture and tangy flavor, though it may be less thick.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts well and provides a mild, creamy flavor.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack offers a similar melt and a slightly milder flavor.

• frozen tater tots - Substitute with hash browns: Hash browns provide a similar potato base and crispy texture.

• frozen tater tots - Substitute with sliced potatoes: Sliced potatoes can offer a hearty texture and similar potato flavor when baked.

• chopped onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweeter onion flavor.

• chopped onions - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a subtle onion flavor with a hint of sweetness and a softer texture.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the tater tots soggy.
• Transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container. If you prefer, you can also use a baking dish with a tight-fitting lid.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to label it with the date to keep track of freshness.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole. Wrap the entire baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a large freezer bag for extra protection.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating and maintains the texture of the tater tots.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove any plastic wrap or freezer bag, but keep the aluminum foil on.
• Bake the thawed casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer a crispier top, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
• If reheating from frozen, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, covered with foil. Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy top.
• For individual portions, you can microwave the casserole on medium power for 3-5 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover tater tots casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

• For a quicker option, use the microwave. Transfer a portion of the casserole to a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a crispy texture, use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover casserole on a toaster oven tray and cover with foil. Heat for 15-20 minutes, then remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the tater tots.

• For stovetop reheating, use a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water to the skillet to prevent sticking. Place the casserole in the skillet, cover, and heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover casserole in the air fryer basket, ensuring the tater tots are in a single layer. Heat for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at the specified temperature to ensure the tater tots become golden brown and crispy.

• Skillet: Essential for cooking the ground beef and onions until the beef is browned and the onions are tender.

• Mixing bowl: Needed to combine the cooked beef mixture with the cream of mushroom soup and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.

• Baking dish: Used to spread the beef mixture evenly and to layer the tater tots on top before baking.

• Spatula: Useful for stirring and combining ingredients in the skillet and mixing bowl.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped onions.

• Can opener: Required to open the can of cream of mushroom soup.

• Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

• Cheese grater: If you are shredding your own cheese, this tool will be needed to grate the cheddar cheese.

• Knife: Used for chopping the onions before cooking them with the ground beef.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onions.

Pre-cook the beef: Cook the ground beef and onions in advance and store them in the fridge. This will save you time when assembling the casserole.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheddar cheese to cut down on prep time.

Layer efficiently: Have all your ingredients ready and layer them quickly in the baking dish to streamline the process.

Frozen tater tots: Keep the tater tots frozen until you’re ready to use them to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.