Tater Tot Casserole

why make this recipe

Tater Tot Casserole is a fun and comforting dish that brings smiles to the table. It combines crispy tater tots with a savory beef and mushroom filling, making it a hearty meal that the whole family will love. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, as it is simple to prepare and can easily feed a crowd. Plus, it’s customizable! You can add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.

how to make Tater Tot Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 shallot (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tbsp gluten-free or all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 cup milk (use skim)
• 2 tbsp gluten-free tamari or soy sauce
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 lb bag tater tots

Directions:

1. Follow the instructions on the tater tot bag to preheat your oven.
2. In a large, oven-proof skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper, then drain and set aside.
3. Melt the butter in the skillet. Add the mushrooms and shallots, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 3-5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
5. Sprinkle the flour into the skillet, whisk together, and cook for 1 minute.
6. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and milk while whisking to prevent lumps.
7. Add the tamari or soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Bring to a bubble, reduce heat, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
8. Stir in the ground beef.
9. Arrange the tater tots on top and bake according to the tater tot instructions.
10. Allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving.

how to serve Tater Tot Casserole

Serve Tater Tot Casserole hot from the oven. It pairs nicely with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables. You can also drizzle some extra ketchup on top for added flavor.

how to store Tater Tot Casserole

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just be sure to let it thaw completely before reheating.

tips to make Tater Tot Casserole

• Feel free to add your favorite vegetables. Peas, corn, or bell peppers can be great additions.
• For extra flavor, try using different seasonings or adding shredded cheese on top before baking.
• If you want a crispier topping, broil the casserole for a couple of minutes after baking.

variation

You can make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Just follow the same steps in the recipe.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen tater tots?
Yes, frozen tater tots work perfectly for this recipe. Just follow the baking instructions on the package.

2. Can I make Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time. Just assemble the casserole and top with tater tots before baking when you’re ready to serve.

3. How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat leftovers, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

Tater Tot Casserole

A comforting and customizable dish combining crispy tater tots with a savory beef and mushroom filling, perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with cooked lentils for a vegetarian version.
• to taste Salt and pepper
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 shallot (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tbsp gluten-free or all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 cup milk (use skim)
• 2 tbsp gluten-free tamari or soy sauce
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 0.25 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 lb bag tater tots Frozen tater tots work perfectly.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Follow the instructions on the tater tot bag to preheat your oven.
2. In a large, oven-proof skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper, then drain and set aside.
3. Melt the butter in the skillet. Add the mushrooms and shallots, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 3-5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
5. Sprinkle the flour into the skillet, whisk together, and cook for 1 minute.
6. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and milk while whisking to prevent lumps.
7. Add the tamari or soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Bring to a bubble, reduce heat, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
8. Stir in the ground beef.
9. Arrange the tater tots on top and bake according to the tater tot instructions.
10. Allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve Tater Tot Casserole hot from the oven with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. For extra flavor, drizzle some ketchup on top. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for longer storage. Tips include adding favorite veggies or different seasonings, and broiling for a crispier topping.