Crunchy golden tater tots atop a hearty, cheesy ground beef filling—pure comfort food ready to satisfy any craving.
Servings and Timing:
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 65 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Dietary: Family-friendly, Comfort meal
Ingredients:
Ground beef (85% lean)
Corn kernels
Condensed cream of mushroom soup
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Whole milk
Sour cream
Onion powder
Black pepper
Cooked bacon, crumbled
Frozen tater tots
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles until cooked through.
Stir in corn, mushroom soup, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, onion powder, black pepper, and bacon until evenly combined.
Spread the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing evenly.
Sprinkle remaining cheese over the beef mixture.
Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
Remove from oven, sprinkle extra cheese if desired, and bake another 5 minutes until melted.
Additional Notes:
Use pre-cooked bacon for quicker preparation.
Perfect dish for potlucks, family gatherings, or cozy dinners.
About This Recipe
This Tater Tot Casserole is comfort food at its best—crispy, savory, and effortlessly delicious. I often whip this up on chilly evenings or when craving a warm, satisfying meal that pleases both kids and adults alike.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Browning Meat: Cook beef thoroughly until browned without pink areas for optimal flavor.
Tater Tots: Arrange neatly for even crispness and visual appeal.
Quick Tip: If tots brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil halfway through baking.
Ingredient Details and Substitution Tips
Ground Beef: Can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
Cheese: Monterey Jack or Colby-Jack blends work nicely as cheddar substitutes.
Corn: Fresh or canned corn drained can replace frozen kernels.
Soup Base: Substitute cream of chicken or celery if preferred.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
Flavor Boosts: Add diced jalapeños, green onions, or chopped bell peppers.
Serving Ideas: Accompany with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
Drink Pairing: Great with iced tea, lemonade, or even a cold beer.
Storage and Make-Ahead Information
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in a covered dish up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat portions in oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or microwave individual servings until hot.
Make-Ahead: Assemble up to a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake fresh as directed.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 560 kcal
Protein: 24g
Carbs: 47g
Fat: 31g
Dietary Highlights: High-protein comfort food.