Description
A comforting and hearty Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole featuring ground beef combined with savory Rotel tomatoes, creamy soup, and melted cheddar cheese, topped with crispy golden tater tots. Perfect for cozy family dinners or crowd-pleasing potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Mix-ins
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend), divided
Topping
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Garnish (Optional)
- 1/2 cup green onions or chives, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat, return beef to the pan, then add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, cumin if using, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add Rotel and Soup: Mix in the drained Rotel tomatoes and cream of mushroom soup until well combined. Then stir in sour cream and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts and the mixture is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the beef and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Layer the frozen tater tots on top in a single layer; overlapping slightly is fine.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy. Remove from oven, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions or chives if desired. Serve the casserole hot and enjoy this deliciously cheesy and comforting meal.
Notes
- To add extra veggies, mix in frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers with the beef mixture before baking.
- Try different cheeses such as pepper jack for a spicy twist or mozzarella for a stretchy melt.
- For more heat, use hot Rotel, add jalapeños, or crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For crispier tater tots, bake them separately for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole.
