Simple Tater Tot Casserole

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This quick and easy Tater Tot Casserole recipe will quickly become a family favorite! Layers of amazing flavor combine for an easy and delicious dinner any night of the week! I love this casserole recipe because it takes only a handful of ingredients, which I always have on hand. I can pull this tasty casserole together quickly and easily.

Tater Tot Casserole

Tater tot casserole has been popular around family dinner tables for years because it is easy to make, and my girls LOVE it! It’s a favorite meal for my husband, not only for the taste but because it’s very budget-friendly! You can easily feed our family of 5 with a single 9×13-inch pan of tater tot casserole, with seconds or left leftovers for a second meal.

Easy Dinner

Easy dinners are my favorite! As a mom with three active girls, I’m all about fast and easy dinners that my girls will enjoy eating. The girls play sports year-round and with me or my husband always running in run direction or another with various practices, our family relies on recipes like this delicious and easy Tater Tot Casserole.

Child Approved

This is TRULY the simplest Tater Tot Casserole to make. We have so many variations, but I honestly believe that this one will please the pickiest of eaters.

What to Eat with Simple Tater Tot Casserole

Looking to take your Simple Tater Tot Casserole to the next level? Here are some delectable accompaniments that will complement this cozy dish perfectly:

1. Fresh Garden Salad: Balance out the richness of the casserole with a crisp, refreshing salad tossed with your favorite veggies and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
2. Garlic Bread: Indulge in the ultimate comfort food pairing by serving up some warm, buttery garlic bread on the side. The crispy exterior and soft, garlicky interior are the perfect contrast to the cheesy goodness of the casserole.
3. Steamed Vegetables: Add a nutritious touch to your meal with a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans. Their vibrant colors and tender texture will brighten up your plate and provide a satisfying crunch.
4. Creamy Coleslaw: Elevate your meal with a creamy coleslaw featuring shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing. The cool, creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty flavors of the casserole.
5. Cornbread: Whip up a batch of golden, buttery cornbread to serve alongside your Tater Tot Casserole. The sweet and savory flavors of the cornbread perfectly complement the savory notes of the dish.
6. Fruit Salad: Refresh your palate with a light and fruity fruit salad filled with seasonal fruits like strawberries, grapes, and pineapple. The natural sweetness of the fruit adds a burst of flavor to your meal.
7. Roasted Potatoes: Double down on the potato goodness by serving roasted potatoes alongside your Tater Tot Casserole. Seasoned with herbs and spices, these crispy potatoes make for a hearty and satisfying side dish.
8. Macaroni and Cheese: Embrace the ultimate comfort food combination by pairing your Tater Tot Casserole with a creamy, indulgent macaroni and cheese. The cheesy goodness of the mac and cheese is the perfect complement to the cheesy goodness of the casserole.

So there you have it – a delicious lineup of sides to enjoy alongside your Simple Tater Tot Casserole. Whether you’re craving something crisp and refreshing or rich and indulgent, these accompaniments are sure to take your meal to the next level. Bon appétit!

Equipment Needed for Simple Tater Tot Casserole

Before diving into the delicious world of Simple Tater Tot Casserole, let’s make sure you have all the equipment you need to create this mouthwatering masterpiece!

1. 9×13-inch Baking Dish: This casserole dish is the perfect size for layering your tater tots, ground beef, and cheese, ensuring even cooking and delicious results.
2. Large Skillet: You’ll need a large skillet to cook your ground beef, garlic, and onion until they’re perfectly browned and flavorful.
3. Spatula or Wooden Spoon: A spatula or wooden spoon is essential for breaking up the ground beef as it cooks and stirring the ingredients in the skillet.
4. Mixing Bowl: You’ll use a mixing bowl to combine the sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper before spreading it over the tater tots in the casserole dish.
5. Aluminum Foil: Aluminum foil is handy for covering the casserole dish while it bakes, helping to lock in moisture and ensure even cooking.

With these essential pieces of equipment at your disposal, you’re ready to whip up a batch of Simple Tater Tot Casserole that will have your taste buds singing with delight. So grab your ingredients and get cooking – deliciousness awaits!

How To Make Simple Tater Tot Casserole

I start with really lean ground beef and brown it nicely before adding diced onion and minced garlic. I season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before throwing it all into a prepared casserole dish. Layer with sour cream. Finally, lots of cheddar cheese followed by the frozen tater tots.

It really is that simple.

I love how perfectly crisp and crunchy these tater tots turn out. It’s essential to the overall texture of this casserole. Season the tater tots when the casserole is removed from the oven and get ready to enjoy a delicious dinner!

Simple Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we’re whipping up a classic American comfort food: Simple Tater Tot Casserole. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and delicious on the table in no time. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, you’ll have a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

• 32 Ounce Package Frozen Tater Tots
• 1 Pound Lean Ground Beef
• 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
• ⅓ Cup Sour Cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ White onion, diced
• ⅓ Teaspoon Garlic Powder
• ½ Teaspoon Salt
• ½ Teaspoon Pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the skillet with the cooked beef. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
4. Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
6. Next, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
7. In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture evenly over the tater tots.
8. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tater tots are golden brown.
11. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

And there you have it – a Simple Tater Tot Casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its layers of savory beef, crispy tater tots, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is comfort food at its finest. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think!

Tips for Making the Perfect Simple Tater Tot Casserole

Are you ready to take your Simple Tater Tot Casserole game to the next level? Check out these handy tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time!

1. Evenly Brown the Ground Beef: When cooking the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small pieces with a spatula or wooden spoon. This ensures that it cooks evenly and develops delicious flavor throughout.
2. Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: Cheese lovers rejoice! Make sure to layer on plenty of shredded cheddar cheese between the ground beef and tater tot layers. This ensures every bite is packed with cheesy goodness.
3. Spread the Sour Cream Mixture Evenly: When spreading the sour cream mixture over the tater tots, make sure to distribute it as evenly as possible. This ensures that every tater tot is coated in creamy deliciousness.
4. Cover the Casserole While Baking: Covering the casserole with aluminum foil during the first half of baking helps to trap in moisture and prevent the tater tots from drying out. Just be sure to remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking to allow the cheese to get nice and bubbly.
5. Let it Rest Before Serving: As tempting as it may be to dig in right away, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes for easier serving.

With these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the perfect Simple Tater Tot Casserole every time. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible dish!

How to Store and Reheat Simple Tater Tot Casserole

After enjoying every delicious bite of your Simple Tater Tot Casserole, you might find yourself with leftovers. Not to worry! Follow these simple steps to store and reheat your casserole for another tasty meal.

1. Storage: Allow the leftover casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent any air from getting in, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Reheating in the Oven: To reheat your Tater Tot Casserole in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish if it’s not already in one, cover it with aluminum foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
3. Reheating in the Microwave: If you’re short on time, you can also reheat individual servings of the casserole in the microwave. Simply place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover it loosely with a damp paper towel to prevent splattering, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
4. Check the Temperature: Before serving, make sure to check the internal temperature of the casserole with a food thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s thoroughly reheated and safe to eat.

With these easy storage and reheating methods, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Simple Tater Tot Casserole again and again. Whether you’re reheating it for a quick weeknight dinner or enjoying leftovers for lunch the next day, you’ll love how simple and convenient it is to enjoy this tasty dish time and time again!

Notes for Newbies, New Cooks, and Bakers – Simple Tater Tot Casserole

Welcome, aspiring chefs and bakers! If you’re new to the kitchen or just starting out on your culinary journey, you’re in for a treat with Simple Tater Tot Casserole. Here are some helpful notes to guide you through the process and ensure your casserole turns out perfectly.

1. Follow the Recipe: As a newbie, it’s important to follow the recipe closely. Pay attention to the ingredients and measurements to ensure your casserole turns out just right.
2. Prep Work Matters: Take the time to prep your ingredients before you start cooking. This includes chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and shredding the cheese. Prep work makes cooking easier and more enjoyable!
3. Cook Ground Beef Thoroughly: When cooking the ground beef, make sure it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Use a spatula to break it up into small pieces as it cooks for even browning.
4. Layering is Key: As you assemble your casserole, remember to layer the ingredients evenly. Start with the ground beef mixture, then add a layer of cheese, followed by the tater tots, and finish with the remaining cheese.
5. Don’t Forget the Foil: Covering the casserole with foil while it bakes helps to lock in moisture and prevent the tater tots from drying out. Just be sure to remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking to allow the cheese to get nice and bubbly.

With these simple tips, even newbie cooks and bakers can master the art of Simple Tater Tot Casserole. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious dish. Happy cooking!

Note: Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used. – Nutrition Information Disclaimer

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