Loaded Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Loaded Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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This comforting casserole is packed with savory ground beef, cheesy goodness, and of course, crispy tater tots. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck.

Ingredients:

  • For the Meat Filling:
    • 1 pound ground beef  
    • 1 medium onion, chopped
    • 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken or celery)  
    • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, or a blend of cheeses.
  • For the Topping:
    • 1 (30 ounce) bag frozen tater tots
    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, or a blend of cheeses.
    • Optional toppings: green onions, sour cream, bacon bits  

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Meat Filling:
    • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).  
    • In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and bell pepper (if using) over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain any excess grease.
    • Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
    • Stir in cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper.
    • Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
    • stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese, until melted.
  2. Assemble the Casserole:
    • Pour the meat filling into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
    • Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the meat filling.
    • sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheese over the tater tots.
  3. Bake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the casserole is bubbly.
    • Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
  4. Serve:
    • Garnish with optional toppings like green onions, sour cream, and bacon bits.  
    • Serve hot.

Tips and Variations:

  • For a spicier casserole, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat filling.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for ground beef.  
  • Use your favorite cheeses. Pepper jack or colby jack for example.
  • For an extra crispy tater tot topping, you can lightly spray the top of the tater tots with cooking oil before baking.

Enjoy your delicious loaded tater tot casserole!

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