Cheesy Cajun Beef and Tater Tot Bake
Indulge in this delightful Cheesy Cajun Beef and Tater Tot Bake, where savory ground beef meets crispy tater tots in a creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with gooey, melted cheese. This one-dish meal is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, combining bold flavors with comforting textures. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, this casserole will quickly become a favorite in your household. Don't just keep it to yourself—share this delicious recipe with friends and family for a cozy night in!
6
Servings
400
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (none)
onion
1 medium (diced)
tater tots
16 ounces (frozen)
condensed golden mushroom soup
10.5 ounces (none)
shredded cheese
1 cup (none)
cajun salt
to taste (none)
garlic powder
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
3
Season the meat mixture with cajun salt, garlic powder, and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
4
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread the beef and onion mixture evenly across the bottom.
5
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the meat mixture.
6
Evenly spoon the condensed golden mushroom soup over the tater tots, ensuring they are well coated.
7
Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the casserole.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9
Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Cajun Beef and Tater Tot Bake!
Nutrition Information
23g
Fat
30g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Cajun Beef and Tater Tot Bake?
It is a savory casserole that combines ground beef, onions, and crispy tater tots in a creamy golden mushroom sauce topped with melted cheese and Cajun spices.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What are the primary ingredients for this dish?
The main ingredients include ground beef, a medium onion, frozen tater tots, condensed golden mushroom soup, and shredded cheese.
What oven temperature is required?
You should preheat and bake the casserole at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the bake take?
The casserole needs to bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
What size baking dish should I use?
A standard 9x13 inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Do I need to thaw the tater tots before baking?
No, the recipe calls for 16 ounces of frozen tater tots to be arranged directly over the meat.
What type of soup is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses one 10.5-ounce can of condensed golden mushroom soup.
Can I substitute the golden mushroom soup?
Yes, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom or cream of onion soup, though golden mushroom soup offers a unique savory flavor.
How much cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 1 cup of shredded cheese.
What seasonings provide the Cajun flavor?
The dish is seasoned with Cajun salt, garlic powder, and black pepper to taste.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a leaner protein substitute for ground beef.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
How should the onion be prepared?
One medium onion should be diced and cooked along with the ground beef.
Is it necessary to drain the meat?
Yes, you should drain any excess grease after browning the beef and onion to prevent the casserole from becoming too oily.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level depends on the Cajun salt used; you can adjust the amount to make it more or less spicy according to your preference.
Can I add vegetables to the bake?
Yes, vegetables like peas, corn, or diced bell peppers can be mixed into the beef layer for added nutrition.
Is this dish gluten-free?
As written, it is not gluten-free because condensed soups and tater tots often contain gluten; however, you can use gluten-free versions of these items.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking or freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheating in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is best for maintaining the crispiness of the tater tots, though the microwave also works.
What is Cajun salt?
Cajun salt is a blend of salt and spices like paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder that adds a bold, Southern flavor.
What kind of shredded cheese works best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are all excellent choices for this bake.
What should I serve as a side dish?
A fresh garden salad or steamed green beans pair very well with this hearty casserole.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the layers ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until you are ready to bake.
Is this a kid-friendly meal?
Yes, the combination of beef, cheese, and tater tots is typically a big hit with children.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use two 9x13 baking dishes to serve a larger group.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The bake is ready when the cheese on top is bubbly and has turned a golden brown color.
What are the fat and protein contents?
Each serving has about 23g of fat and 20g of protein.
Can I use fresh mushrooms?
While you can add fresh mushrooms to the beef, the condensed soup is necessary for the creamy consistency of the sauce.