There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole, isn’t there? My easy weeknight tater tot casserole has become a staple in my home, especially on those busy nights when everyone’s rushing around. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser—kids love it, and I adore how quickly it comes together! I can whip this up in no time, all while knowing it’s packed with hearty ingredients that keep us satisfied. The crispy tater tots on top? Oh my goodness, they add that perfect crunch! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing. Trust me, this dish has a way of transforming a hectic evening into a cozy family dinner. You’ll want to keep it in your back pocket for sure!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese (your favorite type)
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
Getting this easy weeknight tater tot casserole ready is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Trust me, even if you’re a beginner, you can nail this!
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it hot and ready to go when you’re done prepping!
- Now, grab a skillet and brown 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat. Make sure to break it up as it cooks so it browns evenly and gets nice and crumbly.
- Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat. Nobody wants a greasy casserole, right?
- Stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it well until everything’s combined and creamy—this is where the magic starts!
- Next, toss in 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables. Stir until they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture. It will add color and nutrition, and you won’t even notice the veggies!
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a baking dish. You want it to be nice and flat for even cooking.
- Top it off with a layer of frozen tater tots. Lay them out as evenly as you can—this will give you that perfect crispy topping!
- Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Oh, just wait until you smell that!
- For the final touch, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until it’s melted and bubbly. Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably have on hand.
- Family-friendly and loved by kids and adults alike.
- One-dish meal means less cleanup—score!
- The crispy tater tots add a delicious crunch to every bite.
- Easily customizable—swap out veggies or proteins to suit your taste.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers, making it a win-win.
Tips for Success
To make your easy weeknight tater tot casserole truly shine, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t skip draining the fat from the beef—too much grease can make your casserole soggy. Also, when spreading the tater tots, try to cover the entire surface for even crispiness; nobody wants a bare spot! If you’re using fresh veggies instead of frozen, just make sure to cook them slightly before adding, so they don’t release too much moisture. And remember, if you want to make this ahead, you can assemble it the night before and pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for one serving of my easy weeknight tater tot casserole. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used, but this gives you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
These estimates can help you plan your meals better, especially if you’re watching your intake. Enjoy your casserole guilt-free!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great in this easy weeknight tater tot casserole. It’s a fantastic way to lighten it up while still keeping it delicious.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup? No worries! You can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or even make your own creamy sauce with a bit of milk and flour. It’ll still be yummy!
Can I add other vegetables? Yes, feel free to mix in your favorite veggies! Bell peppers, corn, or even broccoli would be great additions—just make sure to chop them small so they cook evenly.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through!
Can I freeze this casserole? Definitely! You can assemble it ahead of time, freeze it before baking, and then just pop it in the oven when you need it. Just add a little extra baking time if cooking from frozen.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your easy weeknight tater tot casserole is super simple! Just let it cool to room temperature, then transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and it’ll last for about 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–25 minutes until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too; just make sure to cover it to retain moisture! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear how your easy weeknight tater tot casserole turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts. If you enjoyed this recipe, give it a rating and share it on social media to spread the love. Happy cooking!
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Easy Weeknight Tater Tot Casserole: Comfort in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and simple recipe for a tater tot casserole perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Drain excess fat and stir in the cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the mixed vegetables and stir until combined.
- Spread the beef mixture in a baking dish.
- Top with frozen tater tots in an even layer.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until tater tots are golden brown.
- Sprinkle cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken.
- Use any cheese you prefer.
- This can be made ahead and frozen before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: easy weeknight tater tot casserole
