The Make Ahead Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that fits perfectly into your busy schedule. Featuring layers of crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, and melted cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone. Pop it in the oven after a long day or prepare it ahead of time for stress-free midweek meals!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipments
- Large skillet
- Mixing spoon
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Oven
How to Make Make Ahead Tater Tot Casserole – Step By Step
Step 1:
Cook the Beef and Veggies
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it is no longer pink. Break it apart with your spoon as it cooks. Once ready, drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent. Follow by stirring in the frozen vegetables, allowing them to cook and soften for about 5 minutes. Season the mixture with salt and pepper for taste.
Step 2:
Mix in the Soup
Add the cream of mushroom soup to the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring the soup is evenly distributed. This step will give your casserole a rich, creamy texture. Once mixed, remove the skillet from heat and prepare for the next step.
Step 3:
Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread your beef and vegetable mixture evenly as the base layer. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top, followed by an even layer of tater tots. Arrange the tots neatly to ensure they cook uniformly.
Step 4:
Bake and Serve
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the tots are golden and crispy. Retire from the oven, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and let it melt fully before serving.
How to Serve Make Ahead Tater Tot Casserole
The Make Ahead Tater Tot Casserole is delicious on its own or served with a fresh side salad to balance its richness. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or as a simple weekday meal.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For an even richer flavor, consider adding sautéed garlic or bell peppers to the beef mixture. Experimenting with various cheeses can also add delightful complexity to the dish. You can easily substitute the ground beef with turkey or a plant-based alternative for a different nutritional profile.
Packed with Protein: High Protein Tater Tot Casserole
Looking to boost your protein intake? Swap the ground beef with lean ground turkey and add a can of drained black beans. These alternatives will raise the protein content while keeping the flavor intact. Topped with Greek yogurt before serving, it provides a tangy touch and an extra protein punch!
Trim the Carbs: Low Carb Tater Tot Casserole
For a low carb variation that doesn’t compromise on taste, replace tater tots with cauliflower florets. This swap retains the casserole’s delightful texture and pairs excellently with the existing ingredients. Apply the same layering method with reduced cheese to maintain health goals.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover tater tot casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to make it well in advance, prepare the casserole and store it in the fridge before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 1 month—just defrost overnight in the fridge before cooking as directed.
FAQs
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with mushrooms or a meat substitute and ensure all other ingredients align with your dietary preferences.
- Does this dish freeze well? Yes, it can be frozen before or after baking. Remember to let it thaw in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.
- What other cheeses can I use? Pepper Jack, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese can offer delightful variations in flavor.
- Is it possible to add more vegetables? Indeed, bell peppers, peas, and spinach can be great additions for extra nutrients and colors.
- Can I prepare this casserole a day in advance? Yes, you can assemble it up to a day before, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Join the Cooking Conversation!
This Make Ahead Tater Tot Casserole isn’t just a simple dinner; it’s a warm invitation to nostalgia and comfort. I hope you enjoy creating this dish as much as your family loves eating it. If it becomes your new household favorite, feel free to share it with friends, leave comments below, and explore variations. Enjoy your cozy masterpiece!
Make Ahead Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- medium onion
- frozen mixed vegetables
- cream of mushroom soup
- shredded cheddar cheese
- tater tots
- salt and pepper
Instructions
Steps
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, then add frozen vegetables. Heat until softened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup until well combined. Remove from heat.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread beef mixture evenly in a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer with half the cheese, and arrange tater tots over the top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and crispy. Sprinkle remaining cheese before serving.