Ultimate Tater Tot Casserole

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the nostalgic warmth of Ultimate Tater Tot Casserole. Growing up, this was a staple dish at family gatherings, where the aroma of melting cheese and savory beef filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I remember racing to the dinner table, eager to scoop out a generous portion, knowing that each bite would bring a wave of happiness. There’s something magical about the crispy tater tots on top, creating a delightful contrast with the creamy filling below. Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a casual weeknight dinner, this dish never fails to deliver a hearty, satisfying experience that warms the heart and soul.

Recipe Ingredients for Ultimate Tater Tot Casserole

This casserole is a wonderful medley of ingredients that harmonize beautifully. The star of the show, ground beef, provides a rich, savory base, while heavy cream and sour cream create a luscious sauce that binds everything together. The shredded cheddar cheese adds a gooey texture, and the frozen tater tots on top provide that satisfying crunch.

• 2 lbs ground beef: The heart of the casserole, providing rich, savory flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami.
• 1 onion diced: Enhances the overall flavor with sweetness and aroma.
• 4 cloves garlic minced: Brings a delightful fragrance and flavor boost.
• 2 cups mushrooms sliced: Adds earthiness and texture.
• 2 tablespoons flour: Used to thicken the sauce, creating the perfect consistency.
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: Provides a creamy richness that envelops all the ingredients.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess.
• 2 cans (15 oz each) green beans drained: Brings a pop of color and nutrition.
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The ultimate cheesy topping that melts beautifully.
• 32 oz frozen tater tots: Creates a crunchy, golden top layer.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance flavors.

Directions for Ultimate Tater Tot Casserole

Preparing Ultimate Tater Tot Casserole is straightforward and fun! Follow these steps to create a delicious meal that everyone will love. Trust me; you’ll enjoy making this dish as much as you’ll love eating it!

1. Preheat your oven to 375F. This ensures the casserole will cook evenly and thoroughly.
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes serving easier.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. As it cooks, season it generously with salt and pepper, then stir in the Worcestershire sauce for added flavor.
4. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat. Transfer the cooked beef to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
5. In the same skillet, add the onions and mushrooms. Sauté them for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re translucent and tender.
6. Add the garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, for another minute. This will infuse the dish with its delicious aroma.
7. Season the vegetable mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Then, sprinkle in the flour, stirring to combine and create a roux.
8. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to blend it into the mixture. Allow it to simmer for about 1 minute, thickening beautifully.
9. Reduce the heat to low and fold in the sour cream. Remove the skillet from heat, then spread this creamy mixture evenly over the beef layer in the baking dish.
10. Next, sprinkle 2 cups of cheddar cheese over the creamy layer. Follow this with the green beans, and finally, top everything with another 2 cups of cheddar cheese.
11. Now, arrange the frozen tater tots on top, placing them closely side by side to cover the entire surface of the casserole.
12. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese has melted into a bubbly delight.
13. Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly, then serve immediately and enjoy!

Substitutions and Tips

Whether you’re looking to tweak the recipe or just want some handy tips, here’s a collection of ideas to make Ultimate Tater Tot Casserole even better.

• Use ground turkey: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey to lighten the dish without sacrificing flavor.
• Mix in frozen veggies: Add a frozen vegetable mix for an easy way to incorporate more nutrients.
• Try different cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, like pepper jack or mozzarella, for a unique flavor profile.
• Spice it up: Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour to make a gluten-free version that everyone can enjoy.
• Serve with a salad: Pair this casserole with a fresh salad to balance out the richness.
• Add herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can brighten the dish and add freshness.

What to Pair With Ultimate Tater Tot Casserole

When it comes to serving Ultimate Tater Tot Casserole, there are plenty of delicious options to consider. Here are some ideas to complement this hearty dish:

• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds a lovely contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread for an extra indulgent touch; the buttery flavor pairs beautifully with the casserole.
• Seasonal Veggies: Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables like carrots or broccoli provide a great nutritional balance.
• Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or game day, providing a filling option for guests.
• Lunch Option: Enjoy leftovers for lunch; it reheats well and tastes just as good the next day.
• Comfort on Cold Days: Ideal for chilly winter evenings, this casserole is sure to keep you warm and satisfied.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Ultimate Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect dish for any occasion, combining comfort, flavor, and simplicity. It’s a meal that brings joy and satisfaction with every bite. I encourage you to try it out for your next family dinner or gathering; I guarantee it will be a hit!

Ultimate Tater Tot Casserole

The ultimate comfort food, Ultimate Tater Tot Casserole combines creamy, savory, and crispy elements in every bite. This easy weeknight dinner is sure to satisfy your cravings! Make it tonight for a delicious meal that everyone will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs Ground Beef
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 Onion Diced
• 4 cloves Garlic Minced
• 2 cups Mushrooms Sliced
• 2 tablespoons Flour
• 1.5 cups Heavy Cream
• 0.5 cups Sour Cream
• 2 cans (15 oz each) Green Beans Drained
• 4 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 32 oz Frozen Tater Tots You will not use all.
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Equipment

• Cutting Board
• Skillet
• Saucepan
• Wooden Spoon
• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375F.
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper, and add Worcestershire sauce.
4. Drain excess fat and transfer cooked beef to the baking dish.
5. Add the onions and mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes.
6. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Add flour and stir to make a roux.
8. Gradually add heavy cream, stirring, and let it simmer for a minute.
9. Reduce heat to low, stir in sour cream, and spread over the beef.
10. Top with 2 cups of cheddar cheese, then green beans, and another 2 cups of cheddar cheese.
11. Arrange frozen tater tots over the top.
12. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown.
13. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Just let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly.
• Reheating: To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350F until warmed through.
• Serving Size: This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd, but you can scale it down.
• Variations: Consider adding different vegetables to customize the recipe.

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Meet Paige Wilson

I’m our photographer and stylist, so it’s my job to make our food look as sunny and delicious as it tastes. I’m obsessed with finding that perfect light. When I’m not behind the lens, I’m in the kitchen as the official “chief taster.” I work closely with Hailey and Brooke to cook, test, and refine the flavors for every single recipe until it’s just right.