Description
A hearty and comforting Tater Tot Casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, corn, and melted cheddar cheese, all topped with crispy golden tater tots. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner that combines classic flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (12 ounce) can corn, drained
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dairy and Condiments
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Other
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
- Chopped scallions for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the top third to ensure even browning of the tater tots.
- Cook the beef and onions: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and sauté the chopped onions until softened, about 7-8 minutes. Break up the meat with a spoon and drain excess fat if needed to avoid greasiness.
- Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, soy sauce, and Italian seasoning, cooking for around 1 minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the creamy mixture: Lower the heat to medium and mix in the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, drained corn, and half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well and let it heat through for a minute or two to combine flavors.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread evenly. Optionally, you can prepare and bake the entire dish in a large oven-safe skillet.
- Add cheese and tater tots: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then cover with a layer of frozen tater tots.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped scallions if desired and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot for a delicious comfort meal.
Notes
- You can use a large oven-safe skillet to cook and bake the casserole for easier cleanup.
- Feel free to add vegetables like green beans or peas for extra nutrition.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to keep the tater tots crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
