The Ultimate Tater Tot Casserole Recipe: A Crowd-Pleaser Every Time
This isn't just any tater tot casserole recipe; this is the ultimate recipe, guaranteed to be a hit at your next family gathering or potluck. We've perfected the balance of creamy, cheesy, and perfectly crispy tater tots to create a dish that's both comforting and irresistible. Get ready to experience tater tot casserole heaven!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 6-8 hungry people. Feel free to double it for a larger crowd!
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For the Meat & Veggie Base:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or your favorite veggies!)
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For the Cheesy Topping:
- 4 cups frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite blend!)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This recipe is surprisingly easy! Even novice cooks can master this classic.
1. Brown the Meat:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and onion until the beef is cooked through and the onion is softened. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Create the Creamy Base:
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Gently stir in the frozen peas and carrots. Let this simmer for a few minutes, allowing the vegetables to slightly heat through.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the meat and vegetable mixture into your prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the tater tots in an even layer over the top of the mixture.
4. Add the Cheese & Bake:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the tater tots.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
5. Let it Rest (Briefly!):
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents a messy, overly runny casserole.
Tips for Tater Tot Casserole Perfection:
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure your tater tots have enough space for optimal crispiness.
- Experiment with Veggies: Get creative with your veggies! Broccoli, corn, or even diced potatoes would be delicious additions.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavor.
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
This casserole is fantastic on its own, but you can also pair it with:
- A simple green salad
- A side of steamed broccoli
- A scoop of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce
Enjoy your incredibly delicious, perfectly crispy, and utterly satisfying tater tot casserole! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
