Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole! This hearty dish features a crispy layer of tater tots baked to golden perfection, topped with succulent pork chops or chicken breasts, and smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce. Finished with a generous sprinkle of melted cheddar cheese and sweet onions, this one-dish meal is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this casserole will quickly become a beloved favorite in your home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
frozen tater tots
32 ounces (none)
pork chops or chicken breasts
4 pieces (lightly browned)
cream of mushroom soup
10.75 ounces (mixed with half a can of water)
onion
1 medium (sliced)
cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
3
Spread a generous layer of frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4
In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Lightly brown the pork chops or chicken breasts on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side, ensuring they are cooked through.
5
Carefully place the cooked pork chops or chicken breasts on top of the layer of tater tots in the baking dish.
6
In a small bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup with half a can of water until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the meat and tater tots.
7
Top with sliced onions, distributing them evenly over the casserole.
8
Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese generously over the top to ensure a melty, cheesy finish.
9
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole?
Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty, one-dish comfort food meal featuring a base of crispy tater tots, meat, a creamy mushroom sauce, and melted cheddar cheese.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
You should use a 9x13-inch baking dish to prepare this casserole.
What oven temperature is needed?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius before baking.
How many tater tots do I need?
The recipe calls for one 32-ounce package of frozen tater tots.
What types of meat can be used in this casserole?
You can use either four pork chops or four chicken breasts for this recipe.
Do I need to cook the meat before putting it in the oven?
Yes, you should lightly brown the pork chops or chicken breasts in a skillet for approximately 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through.
How do I prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish?
Grease the 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter before adding the ingredients.
What kind of soup is used for the sauce?
The recipe uses a 10.75-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup.
How do I prepare the soup mixture?
In a small bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with half a can of water until the consistency is smooth.
How are the ingredients layered in the dish?
Start with a layer of tater tots, followed by the meat, then the soup mixture, sliced onions, and finally the cheese.
What preparation is needed for the onion?
One medium onion should be sliced and distributed evenly over the top of the casserole.
What type of cheese is recommended?
The recipe specifies using half a cup of grated cheddar cheese.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking.
How long should the casserole bake in total?
Bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
How can I tell when the casserole is finished?
The casserole is done when the cheese is bubbly and has turned a golden color.
Is this a good meal for families?
Yes, this dish is described as family-friendly and perfect for casual gatherings.
Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Absolutely, chicken breasts are a perfect substitute for pork chops in this recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are five main ingredients: frozen tater tots, meat, cream of mushroom soup, onion, and cheddar cheese.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags for this recipe include casserole, comfort food, one-dish meal, tater tots, cheesy, pork, chicken, and family-friendly.
How should I brown the meat?
Heat a small amount of oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the meat for 3-4 minutes per side.
Does the recipe require salt or pepper?
The ingredient list does not explicitly list salt or pepper, though you may season the meat to taste while browning.
Can I use other types of cream soup?
While the recipe calls for cream of mushroom, you could likely substitute cream of chicken or cream of celery if preferred.
Is the onion cooked before being added?
No, the onion is sliced and added raw to the top of the casserole before baking.
What makes the tater tots crispy?
Baking them in the oven, especially during the final 15-20 minutes when the foil is removed, helps them reach golden perfection.
Can I add more cheese?
While the recipe calls for half a cup, you can add more cheese if you prefer an extra cheesy finish.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-prepare one-dish meal.
Why is water added to the soup?
Adding water helps thin the condensed soup so it can be poured evenly and create a smooth sauce.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
The recipe specifically calls for frozen tater tots to achieve the intended texture and ease of preparation.
What is the description of this dish?
It is an ultimate comfort food dish featuring crispy tater tots, succulent meat, and a creamy mushroom sauce.
How many pieces of meat are used?
The recipe calls for four pieces of pork chops or chicken breasts.