Cheesy Tot Casserole a Family Favorite

Recipe Introduction

Ever crave something utterly comforting? A dish that tastes like a warm hug from your Nan? Honestly, I get that feeling all the time! That's why I am sharing my amazing cheesy tot casserole recipe.

It's pure, unadulterated comfort food heaven with crispy tater tots, cheesy sauce and ground beef.

Quick Hook

Fancy some proper comfort food? You absolutely need my cheesy tot casserole in your life. This comfort food casserole is a crowd pleaser.

Its savoury ground beef meets crispy, cheddar cheese casserole topped tater tots , and it is a flavour explosion you won't forget.

Brief Overview

This tater tot casserole is thought to be of Midwestern origin, born out of a desire for easy, hearty family meals.

It’s simple to make a perfect easy casserole recipes for a weeknight dinner. It takes about 55 minutes to whip up.

This recipe yields 6-8 servings, ideal for a family friendly casserole or a potluck.

Main Benefits

This recipe is packed with protein from the ground beef, helping keep you full and satisfied. My cheesy tot casserole is perfect for a chilly evening, a potluck gathering, or just when you need a pick-me-up.

What makes this recipe special? It's a nostalgic classic elevated with simple touches, it's an ideal weeknight dinner ideas . You can even make a bacon tater tot casserole .

Craving something proper comforting? I’m telling ya, it will become a family favorite.

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this masterpiece.

Right then, let's talk about what you'll need to make this amazing cheesy tot casserole ! It is a family friendly casserole that everyone will love.

Honestly, this part is pretty straightforward. This tater tot casserole is a perfect weeknight dinner ideas .

Let's Gather the Goods: Ingredients for the Best Tater Tot Bake

We'll break it down into sections for easier peasy.

Main Ingredients

• Ground Beef: 1 lb (454g). Look for an 80/20 blend. You want some fat for flavor, innit?
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup/150g). Anything is fine, really.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (about 1 tsp/3g). Fresh is best, but jarred works too.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp (5ml). The dried stuff is peng.
• Salt: 1/2 tsp (2.5ml).
• Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp (1.25ml).
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 (10.75 oz/305g) can. Honestly, I've used cream of chicken before in a pinch, and it's been champion.
• Milk: 1/2 cup (120ml). Any kind you have in the fridge.
• Cooked Bacon: 4 slices , crumbled (about 1/2 cup/35g). Oh my gosh! This bacon tater tot casserole is going to be heavenly.
• Frozen Tater Tots: 2 lbs (907g). Don't even think about thawing them first!
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (225g). Sharp or mild, it's your shout! This cheddar cheese casserole is a game changer.

Seasoning Secrets

• Italian Seasoning: Brings that essential "Italian ness". You know?
• Salt and Pepper: The dynamic duo. Can't live without them.
• Bacon: Adds a salty, smoky depth. This bacon tater tot casserole is a dream.
• For a bit of a kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.

The Arsenal: Equipment You'll Need

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For browning the beef.
• 9x13 Inch Baking Dish: For baking the cheesy ground beef recipe .
• Mixing Bowl: For mixing the sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Obvs!

Honestly, you probably have all this stuff already! If you don't have a 9x13 dish, a slightly smaller one will do. The ground beef casserole will just be a bit thicker.

Right, now you know what you need. Get to the shops and let's get cooking this easy casserole recipes ! This comfort food casserole will be fab.

Cheesy Tot Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Feast

Fancy a bit of comfort on a plate? This cheesy tot casserole is exactly what you need. It's one of those easy casserole recipes that makes everyone happy.

I remember the first time I made it. My flatmate declared it the best thing ever . Seriously, it is that good!

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Essential mise en place is key. Chop your 1 medium yellow onion. Mince 2 cloves of garlic. Crumble 4 slices of cooked bacon.

Grate 2 cups of cheddar cheese and preheat that oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Honestly, getting everything prepped saves so much time.

step-by-step: Let's Get Cooking

1. Brown 1 lb of ground beef in a large skillet. Drain off the fat!
2. Add the onion and garlic. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
4. Add 1 (10.75 oz) can of cream of mushroom soup and 1/2 cup milk. Mix well.
5. Stir in the crumbled bacon. The bacon tater tot casserole magic begins here!
6. Pour the ground beef casserole mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. Top with 2 lbs of frozen tater tots in a single layer.
8. Sprinkle 2 cups of cheddar cheese over the tots. Bake for 30- 35 minutes , or until golden brown and bubbly.

Pro Tips: Secrets to Casserole Success

Want to level up your tater tot bake ? Try this. For extra crispy tots, toss them lightly with oil before baking.

Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning the ground beef . Working in batches ensures a proper sear. Don't overcook! You are looking for a beautiful golden brown color and an internal temperature of 165° F .

This family friendly casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner ideas . Plus, it's total comfort food casserole . You can easily adapt this cheesy ground beef recipe to your liking.

For example, add some jalapenos for a spicy kick. It's really the ultimate tater tot casserole . Trust me, you will love it!

Recipe Notes: Cracking the Cheesy Tot Casserole Code

Alright, let's chat about making this cheesy tot casserole absolutely banging! I’ve made this tater tot casserole a gazillion times.

I've learned a thing or two! Honestly, it's one of my go-to easy casserole recipes for a weeknight dinner idea .

Serving Suggestions: Get Your Grub On!

Right then, plating this comfort food casserole is easy peasy. Imagine a dollop of sour cream on top! Or, a sprinkle of fresh chives.

Fancy, innit? On the side, a nice green salad cuts through the richness. Steamed broccoli works wonders too. A cold glass of milk is the perfect bevvy.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh!

Got leftovers? No worries! This family friendly casserole keeps well. Pop it in the fridge for up to three days , covered of course.

To reheat, just stick it back in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) . You can also nuke it in the microwave for a quick fix.

Freezing is also an option. Just be aware that the tater tot bake might be a tad softer after thawing.

Variations: Mix It Up, Mate!

Fancy a bit of spice? Throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes into the cheesy ground beef recipe . Or, a dash of hot sauce.

Boom! For a veggie version, swap the ground beef for mushrooms and lentils. Also, you can adapt by Using gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and dairy-free cheese.

And turn this into a gluten-free and dairy-free dish, how simple it is!

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body

Okay, so each serving of this cheddar cheese casserole is roughly 450 calories. You get about 25 grams of protein.

Plus, around 25 grams of fat, and 35 grams of carbs. Keep in mind, this is a rough estimate. It varies based on what exactly you use.

Remember everything is just an estimate of the nutritional information and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Right, there you have it! Everything you need to know to nail this ground beef casserole . It’s truly a delightful and wonderful recipe.

Now go on, give it a go, and enjoy the yummy bacon tater tot casserole ! You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cheesy tot casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover it tightly with cling film, and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time to ensure it's heated through properly.

Just like a proper Sunday roast, a bit of prep goes a long way!

My cheesy tot casserole is browning too quickly, what should I do?

Crikey, nobody wants burnt tots! If the topping is browning too fast, loosely tent the dish with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This will help to prevent the tater tots from burning while allowing the filling to heat through evenly. Like putting a hat on a sunny day protects from the worst!

What are some good variations for this cheesy tot casserole recipe?

Fancy a bit of a twist? You could add a spicy kick with some chilli flakes or hot sauce. Alternatively, try swapping the ground beef for shredded chicken or turkey. For a veggie option, use lentils or a mix of roasted vegetables. Think of it as your chance to put your own signature on a classic!

How should I store leftover cheesy tot casserole?

Store any leftover cheesy tot casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions, or warm it up in the oven for a more even result. It might not be quite as crispy as the first time, but it'll still be a proper comfort food treat!

Is cheesy tot casserole healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

Let's be honest, it's more of a treat than a health food, innit? Our estimate comes out to around 450 calories, 25g protein, 25g fat, and 35g carbohydrates per serving. You can lighten it up by using leaner ground beef, reduced fat cheese, and loading up on veggies. Everything in moderation, as they say!

Can I use different kinds of cheese in my cheesy tot casserole?

You bet your bottom dollar! Cheddar is a classic, but feel free to experiment. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a bit of Gruyere would all work wonderfully. For a spicier kick, try pepper jack. It's all about finding the cheese that tickles your fancy!