Description
This hearty Tater Tot Casserole features a savory blend of ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and corn, topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this casserole combines rich flavors and textures in an easy-to-make skillet and then baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (12 ounce) can corn, drained
Seasonings & Sauces
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
- Chopped scallions for serving (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the top third of the oven to ensure even browning of the tater tots.
- Cook Beef and Onions: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped onions. Cook while stirring occasionally and breaking the beef apart until it is browned and the onions are softened, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about one minute until fragrant.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the sour cream, condensed cream of mushroom soup, drained corn, and half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well and let the mixture heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the beef mixture evenly to a 9×13 inch casserole dish (or use an oven-safe skillet if available). Smooth the surface.
- Add Cheese and Tater Tots: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then cover with the frozen tater tots in a single layer.
- 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: Remove from oven and optionally garnish with chopped scallions. Add salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- Package sizes for tater tots vary, so approximately 32 ounces works well. Adjust quantity based on the size of your casserole dish and how densely you layer the tots.
- Be cautious of salt levels as cream of mushroom soup and Worcestershire sauce can be high in sodium; opt for low-sodium versions if sensitive to salt.
- This recipe serves 6 to 8 people depending on appetite.
- For easier cleanup, you can prepare and bake the casserole directly in a large oven-safe skillet.
- This recipe is featured on page 198 of the Salt & Lavender: Everyday Essentials cookbook.
