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tater tot casserole recipe

tater tot casserole recipe

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Ingredients

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  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks to the sides during the baking process.
  2. Step 2: Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onions. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent. Drain any excess grease from the pan to prevent the casserole from becoming oily.
  3. Step 3: Season and Sauté: Add the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
  4. Step 4: Mix the Filling: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well until the beef is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to thicken slightly, then stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
  5. Step 5: Assemble the Layers: Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the meat mixture.
  6. Step 6: Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in neat rows across the top of the casserole. Placing them close together ensures every bite has plenty of potato crunch. Do not thaw the tots before adding them.
  7. Step 7: Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You are looking for the sauce to be bubbling around the edges and the tater tots to be golden brown and very crispy.
  8. Step 8: Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.