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Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 13 reviews

This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, green beans, shredded cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this casserole combines savory, creamy, and crispy textures in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) green beans, drained

Liquids and Dairy

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Other Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 32 oz frozen tater tots (you will not use all)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready when the casserole is assembled.
  2. Grease the pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and set aside.
  3. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine and enhance flavor.
  4. Drain fat: Drain any excess fat from the cooked beef, then transfer the beef evenly to the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  5. Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced onions and sliced mushrooms. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the onions become translucent and mushrooms soften.
  6. Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning and develop aroma.
  7. Season vegetables: Season the vegetable mixture with salt and pepper to taste, balancing flavors before making the sauce.
  8. Make a roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and stir continuously to create a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
  9. Add heavy cream: Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring, bringing the mixture to a light simmer. Adjust seasoning as needed and cook for about 1 minute until slightly thickened.
  10. Stir in sour cream: Lower the heat and mix in the sour cream until fully incorporated, creating a creamy sauce. Remove the skillet from heat.
  11. Layer the casserole: Spread the creamy vegetable and mushroom sauce evenly over the ground beef layer in the baking dish.
  12. Add cheese and green beans: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce layer, then evenly distribute the drained green beans over the cheese.
  13. Top with cheese: Add another 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the green beans to create a rich and cheesy layer.
  14. Add tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the entire casserole surface, covering it completely for a crispy topping.
  15. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  16. Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your warm, cheesy, and crispy tater tot casserole!

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of the casserole.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the flour by 1 tablespoon.
  • For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or dried thyme to the meat while browning.
  • This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking cold.
  • Use low-fat sour cream and milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter dish, keeping in mind this may alter texture and richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: tater tot casserole, cheesy casserole, ground beef casserole, comfort food, cheesy tater tots, baked casserole

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/cheesy-tater-tot-casserole-recipe/