Victory’s Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family meal. This casserole combines seasoned ground beef, a creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots, all topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s a classic family favorite that’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious, satisfying meal that’s ready in no time.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Tips for Perfect Tater Tot Casserole
- Recipe Variations
- FAQs
- Serving Suggestions
- Conclusion
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and cooked through, and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Combine and Assemble: Add the cooked ground beef mixture to the soup mixture and stir to combine. Pour the beef and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips for Perfect Tater Tot Casserole
- Use Frozen Tater Tots: There’s no need to thaw the tater tots before baking; they’ll crisp up perfectly in the oven.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning to your preference by adding more garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
- Let It Cool: Letting the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Tater Tot Casserole: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Tater Tot Casserole: Stir in 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables, such as peas, carrots, and corn, to add some extra nutrition.
- Bacon Tater Tot Casserole: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon over the top of the cheese before the final bake for a smoky flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of soup?
A: Yes, you can substitute the cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup with cream of celery or any other condensed soup you prefer.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze Tater Tot Casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking or reheating.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side Salad: Serve the casserole with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- With Vegetables: Pair with steamed or roasted vegetables such as green beans or broccoli for a complete meal.
- With Dinner Rolls: Serve with warm dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
Victory’s Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With its savory ground beef, creamy sauce, crispy tater tots, and melty cheese, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. This easy-to-make casserole is ideal for busy weeknights, and it’s easy to customize to suit your tastes.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish with your loved ones. It’s a surefire way to bring everyone to the table with smiles!
