Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. The combination of crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce makes it a comfort food delight. This easy-to-make casserole is not only delicious but also fully customizable, ensuring it can cater to a variety of tastes. Whether served as a main dish or a side, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until everything is combined and heated through.
- Pour the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the beef mixture in a single layer, covering the entire casserole.
- In a small bowl, mix the shredded cheddar cheese and milk together. Pour the cheesy mixture evenly over the tater tots.
- Sprinkle a little paprika on top for a pop of color, if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.