Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish, perfect for family dinners or quick weeknight meals.
This casserole features a flavorful filling of ground beef, onions, and corn, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, crispy tater tots, and a blend of melted cheese.
With its layers of textures and flavors, it’s the ultimate hearty meal to warm you up and satisfy your appetite.
Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing main course or a simple, delicious dinner option, this casserole is sure to become a household favorite!
Ingredients :
1 lb lean ground beef
1 cup diced yellow onions
12 oz canned corn, not drained
1/2 cup water
0.87 oz beef gravy mix
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tbsp onion powder
1/2 tbsp garlic powder
Mashed Potatoes
1 1/2 cups water
2 tbsp margarine
4 oz instant mashed potato mix
1/2 cup milk
Topping
28 oz frozen tater tots
2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend.
Instructions :
Preheat oven to 425F.
Dump ground beef into a large saute pan over medium-high heat, along with a dab of margarine or butter.
Crumble the ground beef well as it cooks.
Add the diced onions to the pan with the ground beef while it’s cooking.
Stir well and continue cooking until the onions are translucent and the ground beef is fully cooked.
Add the canned corn to the pan and stir well.
Add the water, gravy mix, salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder to the pan and stir until all of the ground beef is coated in gravy.
Dump the ground beef mixture into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Set the dish aside while you prepare the mashed potatoes.
Pour the water and margarine into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
Once the water is boiling remove the pan from the heat and pour in the mashed potato mix and the milk.
Stir just until combined and then let the potatoes sit for 1 minute.
After one minute stir until smooth and creamy.
Spread the mashed potatoes over the ground beef mixture in the baking dish.
Place the tater tots in a single layer on top of the mashed potatoes.
Place the dish in the oven and bake the casserole for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the tater tots.
Return the dish to the oven and continue baking until the cheese on top is completely melted and just starting to brown. 4-6 minutes.
Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to sit for a few minutes before serving.
To make the perfect Tater Tot Casserole, start by using lean ground beef to reduce excess grease, and drain any fat for a lighter dish.
Enhance the flavor by adding a splash of Worcestershire or soy sauce to the beef mixture, and consider mixing in additional vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans for added color and nutrition.
When it comes to cheese, a blend of mozzarella and cheddar offers a great balance of creaminess and sharpness, but you can also experiment with Colby Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicier twist.
Be sure to layer the mashed potatoes and tater tots evenly to ensure a balanced bite in every serving.
Bake the casserole until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and for an extra crunch, broil for a few minutes at the end.
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set, making it easier to serve.
If you’re short on time, you can assemble it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking, making it a convenient option for busy days.
To store Tater Tot Casserole, let it cool completely after baking.
Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil or transfer it to an airtight container.
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months.
If freezing, wrap it in a layer of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the tater tots are crispy.
For individual portions, you can reheat in the microwave, though the tots may lose some crispiness.