Tater-tot Casserole (Extra Crunchy)

Tater-tot Casserole (Extra Crunchy)

Recipe by Keisha PalmerCourse: Dinner, Lunch

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Total time

50

minutes

This extra crunchy tater tot casserole is where it’s at! Kids and picky eaters will dive head-first into this crispy, crunchy, savory classic.

Serve it with a side of their favorite cut fruit or veggies, and the casserole will be on the table in under an hour. This is a brilliant make-ahead recipe because it is freezer-friendly.

Want more tips and tricks on cooking for picky eaters? Check out my book!

Also, while we are on tater-tots, check out these crunchy little cauliflower tater tots.

Ingredients

• 450g (16 ounces) ground beef or turkey

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 cup (120g or 4.2 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots)

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup

• 1 cup (120ml) beef or chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 450g (16 ounces) frozen tater tots

• 1 cup (100g or 3.5 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

• Cooking spray or olive oil, for greasing

Directions

• Preheat the oven:
  Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
• Cook the ground meat:
  In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned and no longer pink.
• Add onions and garlic:
  Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
• Mix in vegetables and soup:
  Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, condensed cream of mushroom soup, beef or chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated through and well combined. Remove from heat.
• Assemble the casserole:
  Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the mixture in a single layer, covering the entire surface of the casserole.
• Bake the casserole:
  Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
• Add cheese:
  Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking. Return the casserole to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve:
  Once the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly, remove it from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve the extra crunchy tater tot casserole hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips to Making the BEST Tater Tot Casserole

While it’s totally simple to make, there are a few pro tips to note. Feel free to add other ingredients to make this recipe fit for your child.

• Choose quality ingredients: Use fresh ground meat, frozen vegetables, and your favorite brand of tater tots. Quality ingredients make a difference in the final dish.
• Drain the excess fat from the meat: Drain any excess fat before adding other ingredients.
• Use a creamy soup mix: Choose a creamy and flavorful condensed soup, like cream of mushroom or cream of chicken, for the sauce base. This adds richness and creaminess to the casserole, which kids find super comforting.

Why This Tater Tot Casserole Is The BEST

Want to know why this recipe will rock your kiddie’s world?

• Ultimate comfort food: Nothing warms the heart’s cockles more than a cozy casserole.
• Family favorite: This casserole works for grown-ups as well – it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together around the dinner table for a delicious and comforting meal.
• Easy to make: Despite its good looks and incredible taste, this tater tot casserole is incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients and minimal prep work.
• Versatile: You can customize it by using different types of meat (such as beef, turkey, or chicken), adding your favorite vegetables, or swapping the cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor of condensed soup.
• Extra crunchy tater tots: One standout feature of this casserole is the extra crunchy tater tots that adorn the top layer. Baked to golden perfection, the crispy tater tots provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy and savory filling beneath.
• Cheesy goodness: The addition of melted cheddar cheese on top of the casserole adds a layer of gooey, cheesy goodness that your kids will LOVE. The melted cheese forms a golden crust that adds flavor and richness to every bite.
• One-pan meal: This tater tot casserole is a complete one-pan meal that includes protein, vegetables, starch, and dairy, making it a convenient option for busy cooks who want to minimize clean-up without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
• Leftovers are fantastic: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), they reheat beautifully and taste just as good the next day. This casserole makes for an excellent lunch or dinner option that can be enjoyed again and again by little ones.