Savory Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe: Homestyle Comfort

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible cheesy tater tot casserole that promises pure deliciousness.

Layers of golden potato nuggets create a crispy foundation for melted cheese and savory meat.

Hearty ingredients blend together in a simple yet satisfying dish that screams home-cooked goodness.

Memories of childhood dinners flood back with each warm, cheesy bite.

Rich flavors mingle beneath a perfectly crunchy tater tot topping that adds incredible texture.

Meat and potatoes unite in a casserole so good you’ll want seconds before finishing your first serving.

Dig into this crowd-pleasing meal that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole for Cozy Weeknight Suppers

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Dive into a hearty casserole that brings everyone to the table with its irresistible cheesy goodness and crispy tater tot topping.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Whip up this delicious dish with simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Kid-Friendly Favorite: Watch children and adults alike devour this crowd-pleasing meal that combines classic ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy potato bites into one mouthwatering dish.
• One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy the convenience of a complete meal prepared in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup and making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Must-Have Ingredients for Cheesy Tater Tot Bake

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty protein that forms the base of the casserole.
• Diced Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness to the beef mixture.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich, melty, and tangy layer of cheesy goodness.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Frozen Tater Tots: Create a creamy and crispy texture that makes the casserole comforting and satisfying.
• Seasoned Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish with a blend of herbs and spices.

Stepwise Instructions for Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and get ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Sizzle The Beef

In a large skillet, cook ground beef and diced onions until the meat is completely browned and onions look translucent.

Drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Build The Base

Spread the beefy onion mixture evenly across a 9×9-inch baking dish, creating a delicious foundation for your casserole.

Step 4: Layer The Flavor

Sprinkle seasoned salt over the beef, then blanket the entire layer with shredded cheddar cheese for maximum cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Pour The Creamy Goodness

Gently spread cream of chicken soup across the cheese layer, ensuring smooth and even coverage.

Step 6: Crown With Tater Tots

Arrange frozen tater tots in neat rows across the top of the casserole.

Dust with remaining seasoned salt for an extra flavor punch.

Step 7: Initial Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20 minutes to let all those flavors meld together.

Step 8: Crisp And Golden

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes until tater tots transform into crispy, golden perfection.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Pull out this mouthwatering masterpiece and serve immediately.

Watch everyone dive in with pure joy!

Tips for Golden, Crunchy Cheesy Tater Tot Tops

• Opt for ground beef with lower fat content to reduce excess grease and create a lighter casserole.
• Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery for different flavor variations or dietary needs.
• Arrange tater tots in a single layer and avoid overcrowding to ensure crispy, golden-brown tops.
• Sprinkle additional herbs like dried thyme or parsley to enhance the overall taste profile of the casserole.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal preparation.

Tater Tot Casserole Mix-Ins for More Flavor

• Vegetarian Veggie Lover's Delight: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup for a plant-based protein-packed casserole.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Swap regular tater tots for gluten-free potato rounds. Ensure cream of chicken soup is certified gluten-free or use a homemade alternative sauce.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Sprinkle taco seasoning instead of seasoned salt for a zesty kick.

Plating Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole for a Crowd

• Family Movie Night Delight: Pair this hearty casserole with a classic comedy or animated film for a cozy dinner experience that brings everyone together.
• Veggie Side Kick: Balance the richness with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli to add some nutritional value and color to the plate.
• Game Day Winner: Serve as a crowd-pleasing main dish during sports gatherings, perfect for hungry fans who want a filling and delicious meal between big plays.
• Ranch Lover's Dream: Drizzle some cool ranch dressing on top or serve it on the side for an extra tangy flavor boost that complements the cheesy, meaty casserole.

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Storage Solutions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warm throughout. Stir halfway through for even heating.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the tater tots.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this casserole and provides similar flavor and texture.

• Is it okay to use other types of cream soup?

Definitely! Cream of mushroom soup is an excellent substitute and will give a similar creamy base to the dish.

• What if I don't have seasoned salt?

You can create a quick replacement by mixing regular salt with garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper to achieve a similar seasoning profile.

• How do I prevent the tater tots from getting soggy?

Ensure you drain excess fat from the beef and avoid adding extra liquid. Baking uncovered in the second half helps crisp up the tots and prevents sogginess.

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Midwest comfort meets pure indulgence with this irresistible cheesy tater tot casserole that combines hearty ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and crispy potato tots. Comforting layers of flavor promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 1/2 pounds (680 grams) ground beef

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 (10 ounces / 284 grams) can cream of chicken soup

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 pound (227 grams) frozen tater tots
• 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing a 9×9-inch casserole dish for a hearty meal.
2. In a skillet, thoroughly cook ground beef with diced onions until meat is completely browned and onions turn translucent. Carefully drain any excess grease.
3. Distribute the beef and onion mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, creating a uniform base layer.
4. Generously sprinkle half the seasoned salt over the meat, then blanket the entire surface with shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Carefully spread cream of chicken soup across the cheese layer, ensuring complete and even coverage.
6. Arrange frozen tater tots in a precise, overlapping pattern across the top of the casserole, creating a crispy potato topping. Dust the remaining seasoned salt over the tater tots.
7. Securely cover the casserole with aluminum foil, then bake for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to heat thoroughly.
8. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, watching for golden-brown and crispy tater tots that signal perfect doneness.
9. Remove from oven and serve immediately while hot, offering a comforting and satisfying family-style dish.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that reduces saturated fat and calories.
• Try different cheese varieties like pepper jack or monterey jack to add unexpected flavor complexity and personalize the dish.
• Create a gluten-free version by ensuring cream of chicken soup is gluten-free and using certified gluten-free tater tots for sensitive diets.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to the beef mixture for increased nutrition and a subtle color boost without changing the core recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg