Tater Tot Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 0.5 medium onion (Chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (Minced)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5-ounce can)
• 1 can canned corn (12-ounce can, drained)
• 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Divided)
• 32 oz frozen tater tots (Package sizes vary; you may use slightly less depending on the baking dish and spacing)
• salt (To taste; for serving or as needed)
• black pepper (To taste; for serving or as needed)
• scallions (Chopped, for serving; optional and to taste)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 375°F and position a rack in the top third of the oven.

2. 2

   Add the ground beef and chopped onion to a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking the beef apart with a spoon, for about 7–8 minutes, until the beef is browned and the onion has softened. If there is a lot of excess fat, spoon most of it out.

3. 3

   Add the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute.

4. 4

   Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the sour cream, condensed mushroom soup, drained corn, and about ½ cup of the shredded cheddar. Stir well and heat through for 1–2 minutes.

5. 5

   Transfer the skillet mixture to a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish and smooth it into an even layer. If using a large oven-safe skillet, the casserole may be prepared entirely in that skillet.

6. 6

   Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar evenly over the casserole mixture.

7. 7

   Arrange the frozen tater tots over the cheese.

8. 8

   Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are nicely browned and the cheese is hot and bubbly.

9. 9

   Serve with chopped scallions and additional salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

Tater tot package sizes vary, so a package around 32 ounces will work; keep any unused tots in their original packaging and return them to the freezer. To make ahead, prepare the casserole through the cheese layer but add the tater tots just before baking so they do not become soggy. Refrigerate overnight and bake for a few extra minutes if starting cold. The assembled casserole can also be frozen for up to three months; add the tater tots when ready to cook. Cream of chicken or another cream soup may substitute for the cream of mushroom soup. Canned green beans may replace or supplement the corn.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• casserole
• American
• family-friendly
• comfort food
• baked
• make-ahead
• freezer-friendly