These Easy Tater Tot Casseroles combine the comfort of gooey cheese and crispy tots with healthy veggies for a hearty, family-friendly meal. You can prepare this dish in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings.
Imagine coming home after a long day, the comforting aroma of a bubbly casserole filling the air. Your family gathers around the dinner table, ready to dig into a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome. That’s the magic of this Easy Tater Tot Casserole! With a blend of flavorful ground meat, vibrant vegetables, and the familiar crunch of tater tots, it’s a dish that brings everyone together with a smile. Plus, it’s so simple to make that even the littlest helpers can lend a hand.
Easy Tater Tot Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty casserole featuring gooey cheese, crispy tater tots, and healthy veggies, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Pound Ground Meat (Beef, Turkey, or Chicken)
- 1 Green Pepper
- 1 Yellow Pepper
- 1 Orange Pepper
- ½ Red Onion
- 2 Teaspoons Minced Garlic
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- ¼ Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 Can Cream of Mushroom (or Cream of Chicken)
- 1 Pound Tater Tots
- ¾ Cup Shredded Cheese (Your Choice)
Instructions
- Chop the vegetables.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat, add chopped vegetables, and cook for a few minutes while stirring.
- Add the ground meat and break it apart with a spatula.
- As the meat browns, mix in minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning.
- Once the meat is cooked, reduce heat to low and stir in the can of cream of mushroom. Mix well and let simmer.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart baking dish.
- Top with frozen tater tots and your choice of cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 35-40 minutes or until tater tots are golden and cheese is bubbly.
Notes
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and frozen before baking. Great for families and picky eaters!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Why This Tater Tot Casserole Will Become Your Go-To
This recipe is not just yummy; it’s a dish that checks all the boxes for a busy family. Bursting with colorful peppers and savory ground meat, this casserole is as nourishing as it is satisfying. Perfect for picky eaters, the crispy tater tots and melty cheese appeal to all ages, making it an ideal meal for your next family dinner.
How to Make Easy Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Pound Ground Meat (I used 96/4 Beef but Turkey or Chicken work great too!)
- 1 Green Pepper
- 1 Yellow Pepper
- 1 Orange Pepper
- ½ Red Onion
- 2 Teaspoons Minced Garlic
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- ¼ Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 Can Cream of Mushroom (or Chicken; 98% Fat Free) / You may also substitute with Gravy
- 1 Pound Tater Tots
- ¾ Cup Cheese (Shredded; Your Choice)
Directions:
- Start by chopping your vegetables.
- Heat oil in a stovetop pan over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and let them cook for a few minutes, stirring often.
- Next, add the ground meat and break it apart with a spatula.
- As the meat browns, sprinkle in the minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning, mixing everything together.
- Once the meat is cooked, lower the heat to low and stir in the can of cream of mushroom or chicken. Mix well and allow to simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Pour the mixture into at least a 2-quart baking dish.
- Top it with frozen tater tots, followed by your choice of cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (176°C) for 35-40 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
How to Enjoy Your Casserole
This Easy Tater Tot Casserole is best served warm, straight from the oven. Pair it with a light salad or your favorite crusty bread for a well-rounded meal. Everyone will surely want seconds!
How to Keep Leftovers Fresh
If you happen to have leftovers, which is unlikely with a dish this tasty, simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for up to three days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or pop them back in the oven for a bit of that crispy texture.
Tips for Making the Perfect Casserole
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella all work beautifully.
- For extra vegetables, consider adding spinach or mushrooms to the mix.
- If you prefer a little heat, add some chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper!
Variations to Make It Your Own
This casserole is incredibly versatile. Swap out the ground meat for a meat alternative, or even use a mix of beans and lentils for a vegetarian version. You can also try different canned soups for unique flavors, such as cheddar cheese soup or chicken gravy.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes! Feel free to prepare the casserole ahead of time and freeze it before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly. When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding a little extra time.
2. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The crispy tater tots and cheese make it a hit with kids. Plus, they can help with assembling the dish!
3. How do I know when it’s done?
Your casserole is done baking when the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. You can also use a thermometer; it should reach at least 165°F (73°C).
Dive into this Easy Tater Tot Casserole, and you’ll discover why it’s a beloved favorite in households everywhere. It’s quick, comforting, and oh-so-delicious, making every family mealtime an event worth celebrating!