Classic Tater Tot Casserole Delight
Dive into a comforting classic with this Classic Tater Tot Casserole Delight! This beloved Minnesotan dish is not just food; it's a warm embrace served in a bowl. Packed with flavor from ground beef and creamy soup, combined with the hearty crunch of tater tots on top, this uncomplicated one-dish meal is perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or whenever you're craving something satisfying. Feel free to customize it to suit your taste by incorporating your favorite vegetables, using lean ground turkey for a lighter option, or experimenting with different cream soups. Serve it up and watch as it brings smiles to the table, just like it did when I was a kid!
4-6
Servings
300
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (browned)
cream of chicken soup
1 (8 ounce) can (not prepared)
green beans
2 (8 ounce) cans (drained)
frozen tater tots
1 (28 ounce) package (frozen)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet, brown the lean ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart into small pieces while it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef with the cream of chicken soup and the drained green beans. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4
Spray a casserole dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Pour the meat and vegetable mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
5
Layer the frozen tater tots on top of the meat and veggie mixture, ensuring they are spread out evenly for a crispy texture.
6
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
7
Remove from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes, and then serve hot. Enjoy your delightful meal!
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
25g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Tater Tot Casserole Delight?
It is a comforting, one-dish Minnesotan meal featuring ground beef, cream soup, green beans, and a crispy tater tot topping.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients are lean ground beef, cream of chicken soup, canned green beans, and frozen tater tots.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 4 to 6 servings.
How long do I bake the casserole?
The casserole should be baked for 1 hour or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, lean ground turkey can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.
Do I need to cook the ground beef before baking?
Yes, you should brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain the fat before mixing it with other ingredients.
Can I use a different cream soup?
Absolutely, you can experiment with other cream soups like cream of mushroom or cream of celery to suit your taste.
Should the green beans be drained?
Yes, you should use two 8-ounce cans of green beans and ensure they are drained before adding them to the mixture.
Do I need to thaw the frozen tater tots first?
No, the tater tots should be layered onto the casserole while still frozen.
How do I ensure the tater tots are crispy?
Layering them evenly on top and baking for a full hour helps achieve a crispy texture.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
Is there a lot of protein in this dish?
Each serving provides about 14 grams of protein.
Can I add other vegetables to the mix?
Yes, feel free to customize the casserole by incorporating your favorite vegetables.
What is the total fat content?
There are 16 grams of fat per serving.
Are there any specific tags for this recipe?
Tags include one-dish meal, casserole, comfort food, Minnesotan, and family dinner.
Is this considered a Minnesotan dish?
Yes, it is a beloved classic Minnesotan dish often referred to as hotdish.
How do I prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish?
Spray your casserole dish with nonstick spray before adding the meat and vegetable mixture.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the meat and soup mixture in advance and add the tots just before baking.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen either before or after baking for later consumption.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispiness of the tater tots or use a microwave for convenience.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes, adding shredded cheddar cheese on top or within the mixture is a popular customization.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is designed as a family-friendly meal that is easy to prepare and widely enjoyed.
What if I don't have cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute it with cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or a similar condensed soup.
How do I brown the ground beef?
Cook it in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces until fully cooked.
What size package of tater tots is needed?
This recipe calls for one 28-ounce package of frozen tater tots.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and using cream of mushroom soup.
How long should the casserole rest after baking?
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to help it set before serving.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is an uncomplicated, easy-to-follow one-dish meal perfect for any skill level.