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Tater tot casserole

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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Serves: 6-8 people
Skill Level: Beginner/Easy
Recipe Intensity: Low effort, high reward. Mostly assembly with simple cooking techniques.

Ingredients

For the Beef & Veggie Layer:

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 works well)

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery/chicken)

  • 1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended for creaminess)

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels (no need to thaw)

  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional, no need to thaw)

For the Assembly:

  • 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots

  • 2 cups (8 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra umami)

  • Cooking spray or a bit of oil for greasing

  • Fresh chopped parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is key for crispy tots. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. Set aside.

Step 2: Build the Savory Base

  1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). If there is excess grease, drain most of it, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan for flavor.

  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the beef and cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

  3. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Mix until everything is evenly combined and warm. Season generously with salt and pepper (remember, the cheese and tots will add saltiness).

  4. Fold in the frozen corn (and peas, if using). Remove the skillet from the heat. The residual heat will begin to thaw the veggies.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

  1. First Layer: Spread the warm beef mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

  2. Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese (and the optional Parmesan) over the beef layer. This creates a melty barrier that helps protect the tots from moisture below.

  3. Tot Crown: Now, meticulously arrange the frozen tater tots in tight, even rows over the cheese layer. For maximum crispiness, try to place them in a single layer without overcrowding. A little pressure helps them adhere.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

  1. Place the casserole, uncovered, in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. The filling should be bubbly around the edges.

  2. Carefully remove the casserole from the oven (close the oven door to retain heat). Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the partially baked tater tots.

  3. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted and the tater tots are deep golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Rest & Serve

This is a crucial step! Let the casserole rest on a wire rack for 8-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the bubbling, molten filling to set slightly, making it much easier to scoop and serve without it being soupy. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Chef’s Notes & Recipe Lifespan

  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the beef filling up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it come to room temp for 20 minutes, assemble with cold tots and cheese, and bake as directed, potentially adding 5-10 minutes to the bake time.

  • Storage & Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in an air fryer or toaster oven at 375°F to restore the tot’s crispiness. Microwave reheating will result in softer tots.

  • Freezing: Assemble the casserole completely (including tots) but do not bake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To cook, bake from frozen (uncovered) at 400°F for 50-60 minutes, or until hot throughout and tots are browned. You may need to cover loosely with foil for the last 15 minutes if the tots brown too quickly.

  • Variations: Try ground turkey or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Add a drained can of diced green chiles for a southwest twist. Mix ½ cup of French fried onions into the beef layer for extra crunch.

Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving, based on 8 servings)

  • Calories: ~520 kcal

  • Total Fat: 32g

    • Saturated Fat: 13g

  • Cholesterol: 95mg

  • Sodium: ~1150mg

  • Total Carbohydrates: 34g

    • Dietary Fiber: 3g

    • Sugars: 4g

  • Protein: 28g

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