Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

 

A quintessential comfort food, this easy casserole layers savory seasoned beef, a rich and creamy sauce, and a crispy, cheesy tater tot topping. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual family gathering.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• 1 cup sour cream

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

• 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.

2. Sauté Aromatics:
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until the onion is softened and fragrant.

3. Create the Creamy Filling:
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Season generously with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.

4. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the beef mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, snug layer over the cheese.

5. Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes.

6. Add Final Cheese Layer:
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.

7. Finish Baking:
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the tater tots are golden brown.

8. Serve:
Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly for easier serving.

Chef's Tips

• Boost the Flavor: For a deeper flavor, consider adding ½ teaspoon of onion powder or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture.

• Vegetable Add-Ins: Feel free to stir in a cup of frozen mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots) or a drained can of corn with the soup and sour cream.

• Make it Crispier: For an extra-crispy tater tot topping, you can bake the casserole for 5-10 minutes longer after adding the final cheese layer.