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It is a classic favorite that combines the goodness of ground meat, flavorful vegetables, and crispy tater tots, all in one delicious bite. This recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds, perfect for those cozy family dinners or potluck gatherings. With its savory blend of ingredients and a creamy, cheesy topping, this tater tot casserole will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Loved by both young and old alike, this hearty casserole has become a popular recipe for family gatherings, potlucks, and cozy nights at home.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to create a hearty and irresistible meal that will leave your taste buds singing.

Table of Contents

Why Is Tarter Tort Casserole So Popular?

Versatile Dish

Tater tot casserole is a versatile recipe that allows for endless variations. You can customize it by adding different types of ground meat, such as beef, chicken, or turkey, and experiment with various vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, or broccoli to suit your taste preferences.

Comforting and Hearty

This casserole is the epitome of comfort food, offering a warm and satisfying meal perfect for colder days or when you’re craving a cozy, homemade dish. The combination of seasoned meat, vegetables, and the crispy layer of tater tots provides a comforting and hearty eating experience.

Kid-Friendly Favorite

Tater tot casserole is a hit among children, making it an ideal choice for family dinners. The crispy tater tots and cheesy topping make it a kid-friendly delight, and it’s a clever way to sneak in some veggies without compromising on taste.

Easy to Make

One of the great things about tater tot casserole is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation, you can whip up this dish in no time. It’s a convenient option for busy weeknights when you want a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Dish

Tater tot casserole is a popular choice for potluck gatherings and parties. Its comforting flavors and easy-to-serve nature make it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, you can prepare it in advance and simply bake it before serving, making it a convenient dish for larger gatherings.

Tips & Tricks For The Best Tater Tot Casserole

Crispy Tater Tots: For extra crispy tater tots, arrange them in a single layer without overlapping to ensure even browning.

Flavorful Meat: Season the ground meat well with salt, pepper, and spices to add depth of flavor to the casserole.

Cheese Placement: Layer shredded cheese between the meat and tater tots to create a melty, gooey center.

Vegetables’ Moisture: Thaw frozen vegetables before adding them to the casserole to prevent excess moisture from watering the dish.

Toppings and Garnishes: Consider adding toppings like crispy bacon or chopped green onions after baking for added texture and freshness.

Resting Time: Allow the casserole to rest a few minutes after baking to let the flavors meld together before serving.

How To Store Leftover Tater Tort Casserole?

Cool Down: Let the leftover tater tot casserole cool down to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation.

Portion and Package: Divide the remaining casserole into individual servings and store in airtight containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate Promptly: Place the containers or wrapped portions in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking to keep them fresh and safe to eat.

Label and Date: Don’t forget to label each container or package with the name and date for easy identification.

Storage Duration: The leftover casserole can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. Beyond that, it’s best to discard to ensure food safety.

Reheating: Place individual servings in the microwave or oven until heated through to reheat. Add a splash of broth or sauce to maintain moisture, if desired.

Can You Freeze The Leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftover tater tot casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. It can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven until heated. Remember that the tater tots’ texture may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor should still be enjoyable.

Recipe Variations

Mexican Twist: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and diced green chilies for a Mexican-inspired flavor.

Breakfast Edition: Use breakfast sausage, beaten eggs, and shredded cheese for a delicious breakfast casserole.

Buffalo Chicken: Toss cooked chicken in buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese for a spicy twist.

Pizza-Inspired: Incorporate pizza sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese for a pizza-flavored casserole.

Veggie Delight: Swap meat with vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for a vegetarian option.

Tater Tort Casserole Recipe

Tater Tort Casserole

Tater Tot Casserole recipe is so delicious and easy-to-make. This comforting dish features a savory meat and vegetable filling, topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheese, making it a crowd-pleasing family favorite.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 7 people

Calories 375 kcal

Equipment

9×13-inch baking dish

Large skillet or frying pan
Knife for dicing onion
Mixing spoon or spatula

Oven

Ingredients

1 pound ground meat (beef, chicken, or turkey)
1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mixed vegetables (such as corn, peas, and carrots)
Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme or Italian seasoning)
1 can condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

4 cups frozen tater tots

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet or frying pan, brown the ground meat over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender. Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of dried herbs.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the condensed soup until well combined. Then, mix in half of the shredded cheese.

Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the meat and vegetable mixture. Make sure to cover the entire surface.
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the tater tots.
Return the casserole to the oven for 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Note: Customize the recipe by adding your favorite seasonings, vegetables, or cheeses to suit your taste preferences. You can also garnish the finished casserole with fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley, for an extra touch of freshness.

Video

Notes

Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the meat and vegetable mixture in advance and refrigerate it separately from the tater tots. When ready to bake, simply layer the mixture and tater tots in the casserole dish and proceed with the recipe.

Leftover Topping: If you have extra tater tots, save them for topping when reheating leftover casserole. This adds an extra crunch and ensures every serving has perfectly crispy tater tots.

Baking Dish Size: Adjust the baking dish size based on the number of ingredients and the desired thickness of the casserole. Using a smaller dish may result in a thicker casserole, requiring longer baking times.

Fresh vs. Frozen Vegetables: While frozen vegetables are convenient, you can also use fresh vegetables. Simply cook them slightly before adding them to the casserole to ensure they are tender when baked.

Seasoning the Meat: Don't forget to season the ground meat well, as it forms the flavor base of the casserole. Taste the meat mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed before proceeding with the recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Here's an approximate breakdown of this tater tot casserole recipe's nutritional values for a serving (assuming 8 servings).

Calories: 350-400 calories
Total Fat: 20-25g

Saturated Fat: 7-10g
Cholesterol: 60-80mg
Sodium: 800-1000mg

Carbohydrates: 25-30g
Fiber: 2-4g
Sugars: 2-4g

Protein: 15-20g

Keyword Tater Tot Casserole