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Simple Tater Tot Casserole

Simple Tater Tot Casserole

A comforting American classic featuring layers of savory ground beef, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar cheese, all topped with a creamy sour cream mixture. Easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty dish is sure to be a family favorite. Enjoy!
5 from 17 votes
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Course: Entree, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: comfort food, Easy Recipe, Simple Tater Tot Casserole, Tater Tot Casserole
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Calories: 380kcal

Ingredients

  • 32 oz Package Frozen Tater Tots
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef
  • 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • cup Sour Cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ White onion, diced
  • tsp Garlic Powder
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  • Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
  • Next, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture evenly over the tater tots.
  • Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  • 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.
  • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

PRO TIPS:
  • Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality tater tots, lean ground beef, and freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best flavor and texture.
  • Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to get creative with your Tater Tot Casserole! Add in your favorite veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms, or switch up the cheese for a different flavor profile.
  • Layer Thoughtfully: Layer the ingredients in the casserole dish thoughtfully to ensure every bite is full of flavor. Start with the ground beef mixture, followed by a layer of cheese, then the tater tots, and finish with another layer of cheese.
  • Spread Sour Cream Mixture Evenly: When spreading the sour cream mixture over the tater tots, make sure to distribute it as evenly as possible to ensure each tot is coated for maximum flavor.
  • Cover While Baking: Cover the casserole with foil during the first half of baking to prevent the tater tots from drying out. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to allow the cheese to get melty and bubbly.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 24g