The Ultimate Classic Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
The Classic Tater Tot Casserole recipe is a beloved American comfort food that has been warming hearts and filling bellies for generations.
This crowd-pleasing dish combines crispy tater tots, seasoned ground beef, and creamy mushroom soup into a delightful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
I’ve found that this casserole never fails to bring smiles to my family’s faces, especially on chilly evenings when we need something hearty and satisfying.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and how it transforms simple ingredients into something magical.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 2 pounds |
| Frozen tater tots | 1 (32 oz) bag |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 2 (10.5 oz) cans |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
First, I always preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C).
This ensures the Classic Tater Tot Casserole cooks evenly throughout.
I spray my 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Getting everything ready before starting makes the process so much smoother.
Cooking the Meat Base
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I brown the ground beef with the diced onions.
This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, and I make sure to break up any large chunks with my wooden spoon.
Once the meat is mostly browned, I add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
The wonderful aroma at this point always brings my kids to the kitchen!
I drain any excess fat, as this keeps the casserole from becoming greasy.
Creating the Creamy Mixture
Next, I add both cans of cream of mushroom soup to the meat mixture.
The milk goes in next, making everything nice and creamy.
I stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
This combination creates that classic flavor that makes this Tater Tot Casserole so irresistible.
I let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Assembly
I transfer the meat mixture to my prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Then comes the fun part – arranging the frozen tater tots on top.
I like to create neat rows, but you can place them however you like.
Some folks prefer to press them slightly into the meat mixture, but I find they get crispier when left sitting on top.
Baking
The casserole goes into my preheated oven, uncovered, for 45 minutes.
After this time, I pull it out and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
Back into the oven it goes for another 5-10 minutes, just until the cheese melts and gets slightly bubbly.
The tater tots should be golden brown and crispy by now.
Tips for the Perfect Classic Tater Tot Casserole
Don’t thaw the tater tots before using – they should go on frozen.
For extra flavor, try adding mixed vegetables to the meat mixture.
If you like more cheese, feel free to mix some into the meat mixture as well.
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving – this helps it set up nicely.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
This Classic Tater Tot Casserole recipe has stood the test of time for good reason.
It’s simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole never disappoints.
I’ve made this countless times over the years, and it’s become one of our family’s most requested meals.
The combination of crispy tater tots, seasoned ground beef, and creamy sauce creates a comfort food masterpiece that’s hard to resist.
Remember, the best part about this recipe is that you can adjust it to your family’s tastes – add more cheese, throw in some vegetables, or spice it up with your favorite seasonings.
It’s virtually impossible to go wrong with this trusty classic!
