Quick & Wholesome Tater Tot Casserole
This Quick & Wholesome Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make family dinner. Featuring a flavorful ground beef and onion base, a creamy mushroom layer, green beans, and a generous topping of cheddar cheese and crispy tater tots, it's a meal that's both hearty and wholesome.
Equipment
- 8 or 9-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef 90% lean or higher recommended, or opt for ground turkey/chicken for a lighter choice
- 1/2 medium onion diced finely
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can low-sodium green beans thoroughly drained
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed low-sodium cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated melts best!
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
- Salt to taste (remember to season each layer lightly)
- Black pepper to taste (remember to season each layer lightly)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven & Dish: Get started by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab an 8 or 9-inch baking dish and lightly coat it with cooking spray; then set it aside.
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it's fully browned. For a healthier dish, drain off all excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Flavorful Aromatics: Stir the diced onion into the skillet with the beef and sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until it becomes tender and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute, stirring constantly until it smells fragrant.
- Season the Base: Mix in the Worcestershire sauce with the beef and onion. Lightly season this mixture with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Layer the Foundation: Transfer the seasoned beef mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out to create the bottom layer.
- Creamy Layer: Carefully spread the low-sodium cream of mushroom soup over the beef mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Vegetable Boost: Next, evenly distribute the drained low-sodium green beans over the soup layer. Don't forget to lightly season this layer with a pinch of salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Cheesy Blanket: Sprinkle all 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese generously over the green beans.
- Tater Tot Topping: Finally, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Serve Warm: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this easy, wholesome, and comforting meal!
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Total Carbs: 20 g
- Net Carbs: 18 g
- Fats: 25 g
- Protein: 29 g
