Tater Tot Casserole

Tater Tot Casserole Recipe: Hamburger, Evaporated Milk, Cheese, and More

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Tater Tot Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This hearty casserole is made with layers of ground beef, creamy soups, cheese, and crispy Tater Tots. It's a simple and delicious meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

History

Tater Tot Casserole has been a popular dish in American households for decades. It first gained popularity in the 1950s when Tater Tots were introduced by the Ore-Ida company. The casserole quickly became a favorite among busy families looking for an easy and satisfying meal to serve for dinner.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) hamburger
macaroni and cheese Dinner (cooked)
1 can evaporated milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can mushrooms
1 package onion soup mix
1 package Tater Tots

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Brown the hamburger with the onion soup mix.
Once the hamburger is cooked, combine it with all the other ingredients and place the mixture in a 9x13 baking dish.
Cover the mixture with Tater Tots.
Cook for 0.5 hour.

Variations

Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or peas to the casserole mixture.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger for a lighter version of the dish.
Top the casserole with crispy bacon or French fried onions for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the hamburger meat thoroughly before adding it to the casserole mixture.

- Feel free to customize the casserole with your favorite vegetables or seasonings.

- For a crispier topping, bake the Tater Tots separately and add them to the casserole just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tater Tot Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the hamburger meat before adding it to the casserole mixture helps to enhance the flavor of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to substitute any of the ingredients in this recipe with your favorite alternatives. You can use different types of cheese, soups, or seasonings to customize the casserole to your liking.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. Simply cover the dish with foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Tater Tot Casserole in individual ramekins for a fun and unique presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese for added visual appeal.

Pairing Recommendations

Tater Tot Casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or a side of roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Tater Tot Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tater Tot Casserole contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tater Tot Casserole contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tater Tot Casserole contains approximately 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Tater Tot Casserole contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Tater Tot Casserole is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese, milk) and wheat (cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup).

Summary

Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that is high in protein and fat, making it a filling meal option.

Summary

Tater Tot Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner. With layers of ground beef, creamy soups, cheese, and crispy Tater Tots, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a rainy afternoon in the small town of Oakwood, where I used to live as a young girl. I was rummaging through an old box of recipe cards that belonged to my mother, looking for something new and exciting to try out in the kitchen. That's when I stumbled upon a card that simply said "Tater Tot Casserole."

I had never heard of such a dish before, but the name alone intrigued me. I could almost taste the crispy tater tots mixed with savory meat and gooey cheese. Without a second thought, I decided to give it a try. Little did I know that this simple recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire for years to come.

I gathered the ingredients listed on the card - ground beef, tater tots, cream of mushroom soup, onions, and cheddar cheese. It seemed like a strange combination at first, but I trusted that the end result would be delicious. I followed the instructions carefully, browning the ground beef with onions and mixing it with the cream of mushroom soup. Then I layered the tater tots on top and sprinkled them with a generous amount of cheese.

As the casserole baked in the oven, the tantalizing aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. When the timer finally went off, I pulled the steaming dish out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. The tater tots were golden and crispy, the cheese melted to perfection, and the savory flavors mingled together in a delightful harmony.

I couldn't wait to dig in and taste my creation. With a fork in hand, I scooped up a generous portion of the tater tot casserole and took my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the creamy soup, the savory beef, the crispy tater tots, and the gooey cheese all working together in perfect harmony. It was a culinary revelation, and I knew right then and there that this recipe was a keeper.

From that day on, Tater Tot Casserole became a regular dish on our dinner table. It was a hit with my family and friends, who couldn't get enough of its comforting and satisfying flavors. I started to experiment with the recipe, adding different ingredients like vegetables or spices to change it up from time to time. Each variation was met with rave reviews, and I became known in my circle as the Tater Tot Casserole queen.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with anyone who asked for it, passing it down from generation to generation. It became a tradition in our family, a dish that was always present at holidays and special occasions. I even entered it into a local cooking competition once, where it won first prize and earned me a spot in the town newspaper.

As I grew older, the recipe for Tater Tot Casserole became more than just a dish to me. It was a reminder of my love for cooking and sharing good food with the ones I care about. It was a link to my past, to that rainy afternoon in Oakwood when I first discovered its magic. And it was a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents and sounds of cooking, I can't help but feel grateful for that serendipitous moment so many years ago. Tater Tot Casserole has been a constant in my life, a source of joy and comfort that I will always hold dear. And as I take a bite of the steaming dish in front of me, I know that its delicious flavors will continue to bring smiles to the faces of my loved ones for years to come.