Cheesy Tater Tot Beef Casserole
This Cheesy Tater Tot Beef Casserole offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for any family meal. With a savory blend of ground beef, creamy sauce, and the irresistible crunch of tater tots topped with melted cheddar cheese, this dish promises comfort in every bite. Adding onions enhances the depth of flavor, making this casserole a satisfying and easy-to-prepare treat that's sure to become a household favorite.
4
Servings
525
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (browned)
medium onion
1/2 (chopped)
condensed cream of celery soup
1 can (10.5 oz) (none)
frozen tater tots
1 package (none)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add the chopped onion and cook together until the onion becomes translucent.
3
Drain any excess fat from the skillet before transferring the beef and onion mixture to a large casserole dish.
4
Stir in the condensed cream of celery soup until well combined with the beef mixture.
5
Evenly distribute frozen tater tots over the beef mixture, creating a single layer.
6
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tater tots are golden brown.
8
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
27.5g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Tater Tot Beef Casserole?
It is a comforting dish featuring a savory blend of ground beef and onions in a creamy sauce, topped with crunchy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the casserole.
How long does it take to bake this casserole?
The casserole should bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tater tots are golden brown.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
You will need lean ground beef, a medium onion, condensed cream of celery soup, frozen tater tots, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Do I need to cook the beef before putting it in the oven?
Yes, you must brown the ground beef in a skillet and cook it with the onions before assembling the casserole.
Can I use a different kind of soup?
Yes, while the recipe calls for cream of celery, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup.
What is the calorie count for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 525 calories.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 30 grams of protein per serving.
Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?
No, you should use frozen tater tots and layer them directly onto the beef mixture.
Should I drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, drain any excess fat after browning the beef and onions to prevent the casserole from being too greasy.
What type of cheese is recommended?
Shredded cheddar cheese is recommended for its flavor and excellent melting quality.
How do I know when the casserole is finished?
It is ready when the cheese is fully melted and bubbly and the tater tots have reached a golden brown color.
Can I add other vegetables to the mix?
Yes, you can stir in vegetables like corn, peas, or diced carrots when mixing the beef and soup.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is designed for quick preparation.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 27.5g of fat.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and soup mixture in advance and store it in the fridge, adding the tots and cheese just before baking.
How should I store any leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Ensure it is tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
What size onion is required?
The recipe calls for half of a medium-sized onion, chopped.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works well in this casserole format.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are approximately 37.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of dish should I use for baking?
Use a large casserole dish that can comfortably hold the beef mixture and a layer of tater tots.
Do I need to cover the dish with foil while baking?
The recipe suggests baking it uncovered so that the tater tots can become crispy.
How should I reheat leftovers?
Reheating in the oven at 350°F will help maintain the crispiness of the tots, though the microwave is faster.
Is this a kid-friendly meal?
Yes, the combination of tater tots and melted cheese makes it a very popular choice for children.
Can I use different types of tater tots?
Yes, you can use seasoned or sweet potato tater tots if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Should the onion be cooked until it is brown?
No, you should cook the onion with the beef until it becomes translucent.
Can I double the recipe for a larger family?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients and use a 9x13 inch baking pan or two smaller dishes.
What can I serve as a side dish with this?
A fresh green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli are excellent sides to balance this hearty meal.