Pin it The smell of tater tots baking always takes me back to Tuesday nights at my grandmothers house. She had this battered metal baking sheet she swore by said it made the tots extra crispy. I spent many afternoons perched on her kitchen counter watching her assemble this casserole while she told me stories about her childhood. Now whenever I make it for my own family I find myself humming the same songs she used to sing while cooking.
I once brought this to a potluck when I was completely broke and it was the first dish to disappear. My friend Sarah asked for the recipe three times because her kids kept requesting it. Now whenever anyone has a bad day or needs a little extra comfort I double the recipe and drop off a pan at their house. Food really does love people back.
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Ingredients
- Ground beef: The foundation of this hearty casserole brown it well for deeper flavor
- Onion and garlic: These aromatics build the savory base so do not rush the sauté step
- Frozen mixed vegetables: A time saving trick that adds color and nutrition without extra prep
- Cream of mushroom soup: The secret to that velvety texture everyone loves
- Whole milk: Thins the soup just enough while keeping it rich and creamy
- Cheddar cheese: Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor contrast against the mild tots
- Frozen tater tots: Arrange them in neat rows or get creative with patterns
- Salt pepper and paprika: Simple seasonings that elevate the beef mixture
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh finish though totally optional
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Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 400°F so it is hot and waiting when you are ready to bake
- Brown the beef:
- Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat breaking it up with a spoon until no longer pink
- Sauté the aromatics:
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and fragrant
- Add the veggies:
- Stir in frozen mixed vegetables and cook for 2 minutes to thaw slightly
- Make it creamy:
- Pour in cream of mushroom soup and milk stirring until combined and heated through then season with salt pepper and paprika
- Stir in cheese:
- Remove from heat and mix in one cup of shredded cheddar until melted and incorporated
- Assemble the base:
- Spread the beef mixture evenly into a 9x13 inch baking dish
- Top with tots:
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the filling I like to line them up like little soldiers
- Bake until golden:
- Bake for 30 minutes until tots are crispy and edges are bubbling
- Add more cheese:
- Sprinkle remaining cheddar over the top and return to oven for 5 to 10 minutes until melted and golden
- Finish and serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley if you are feeling fancy and serve hot to happy people
Pin it My daughter now helps me arrange the tots on top usually in a spiral pattern because she says it looks fancier. Seeing her little hands carefully placing each tot reminds me that the best recipes are the ones we pass down together.
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Make It Your Own
Swap ground turkey for beef or add sliced mushrooms and bell peppers for extra vegetables. Sometimes I sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the tots before baking for a fun twist.
Serving Suggestions
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli also make excellent sides that balance out the meal.
Storage And Reheating
This casserole actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld together. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat at 350°F until hot throughout. You can also freeze it unbaked for up to 3 months just add an extra 15 minutes to the bake time.
- Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before baking
- Cover with foil if the tots start browning too quickly
- Let leftovers cool completely before covering to prevent condensation
Pin it There is something deeply satisfying about serving a dish that makes people close their eyes and smile after the first bite. That is the magic of homemade comfort food.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking cold from the refrigerator.
- → Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Assemble the unbaked casserole, wrap well in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
- → What vegetables work best in this?
Frozen mixed vegetables are convenient, but fresh options work great too. Try diced bell peppers, mushrooms, corn, green beans, or even broccoli florets for added nutrition and color.
- → How do I know when it's done?
The casserole is ready when the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the filling is hot throughout—usually 35-40 minutes total baking time.
- → Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
You can slice raw potatoes thinly and arrange them over the top, though they'll need longer cooking time. Par-boiling sliced potatoes for 5 minutes before layering helps ensure they cook through evenly.
- → What sides pair well with this?
A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness. Steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli, or even crusty bread for soaking up the savory filling, make excellent accompaniments.
