Tator Tot Casserole Recipe: A Delicious Comfort Food
Tator Tot casserole is a classic comfort dish that has been around for generations. It's a favorite among many households and is great for a quick and easy meal. It's also a great way to use up leftovers. This tasty dish is made with a combination of tater tots, cheese, and other ingredients like ground beef, onions, and spices. It's then baked in the oven for a delicious and filling meal that everyone will love. Here's a simple recipe for tator tot casserole that you can make at home.
Ingredients
For this tator tot casserole recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds of ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) of diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) of corn, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) of green beans, drained
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1 package (32 ounces) of frozen tater tots
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
To make this tator tot casserole, you'll need to preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook the beef until it's no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes, then add the diced onion and garlic. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then add the diced tomatoes, corn, green beans, and the spices. Stir to combine, then remove from the heat.
Next, spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, then spread a thin layer of the beef and vegetable mixture on the bottom. Sprinkle a layer of cheese over the beef and vegetables, then top with a single layer of tater tots. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tater tots. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. You can garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
This tator tot casserole is a great way to use up leftovers, so feel free to add whatever ingredients you have on hand. For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or beans. If you're looking for a little extra flavor, try adding some diced bell peppers or other vegetables. You can also switch up the cheese for a different flavor. For a Mexican-inspired twist, try using Mexican-style cheese and adding some diced jalapeños.
This casserole is also a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, just preheat the oven and bake as directed. This casserole is also great for making ahead and freezing. It can be frozen up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.
Serving Suggestions
This tator tot casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it's also great when served with a side salad or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a creamy dip or a cool and refreshing salsa. For a fun twist, you can add cooked macaroni, diced chicken, or crumbled bacon to the casserole for a protein-packed meal.
Nutrition Facts
One serving of this tator tot casserole contains about 400 calories, 22 grams of fat, 32 grams of carbohydrates, and 20 grams of protein. It's also a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Conclusion
Tator tot casserole is a classic comfort dish that's easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. It's a great way to use up leftovers and can be customized with different ingredients and spices. You can make it ahead of time and freeze it for later, or serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables. It's a delicious and filling meal that everyone will love. Give this tator tot casserole recipe a try and enjoy!