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Simple Tater Tot Casserole

5 from 17 votes
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!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8
Course: Entree, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 32 oz Package Frozen Tater Tots
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef
  • 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ⅓ cup Sour Cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ White onion, diced
  • ⅓ tsp Garlic Powder
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Pepper

Method
 

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a $9times13$-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the skillet with the cooked beef. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, then stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup.
  4. Layer the Base: Spread the beef and mushroom soup mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
  5. Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer.
  6. Arrange Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, neat layer right over the cheese.
  7. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently spread or dollop this mixture evenly over the tater tots.
  8. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  9. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  10. Crisp It Up: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tater tots turn golden brown and crispy.
  11. Cool and Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving so the layers set. 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.