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Crunchy Tater Tot Casserole
TahiraJaved

Crunchy Tater Tot Casserole

This Tater Tot Casserole layers seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar, and a creamy filling under a blanket of crispy golden tater tots. Keeping the tots frozen until the final step, then arranging them in a single layer, is the small detail that keeps the topping genuinely crispy instead of soft. It comes together in about an hour using simple pantry staples, and it is exactly the kind of dinner that gets requested by name.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 People
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Filling:
  • 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 can 10.5oz cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For the Topping:
  • 1 bag 28oz frozen tater tots kept frozen until ready to use

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch baking dish holds the casserole for even baking
  • 1 Large skillet browns the beef and builds the filling
  • 1 Mixing spoon for combining the filling ingredients
  • 1 Aluminum foil, optional covers the dish if the tots are browning too quickly

Method
 

  1. Brown ground beef with onion, then drain excess fat.
  2. Add garlic, then stir in soup, milk, corn, and seasonings.
  3. Spread into a greased baking dish and top with cheese.
  4. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single even layer on top.
  5. Bake at 400°F for 35 to 40 minutes until tots are golden and filling bubbles.
  6. Rest 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
    7. Keep the tater tots frozen until the moment they go on top of the casserole; thawed tots turn soft instead of crispy in the oven.

Notes

  • Drain the beef thoroughly to avoid a greasy casserole.
  • Arrange the tots in a single layer without much overlap for the crispiest result.
  • Let the casserole rest before serving so the filling sets properly.
  • A 9x13 inch baking dish gives the filling and tot topping enough room to cook evenly.
STORAGE: Refrigerate up to 4 days, or freeze baked or unbaked up to 3 months.
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