Mom’s Tater Tots Casserole Recipe
🕒 Cook Time: 1 hour
🕒 Prep Time: 30 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
🍽️ Servings: Not specified
Description:
My mom had a knack for turning inexpensive or leftover meat and cream soups into delightful casseroles, and this dish was one of my childhood favorites. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving some oven-baked goodness.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon margarine
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
- (Optional) A dash of garlic salt
- 1 (16-ounce) package frozen Tater Tots
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and margarine.
- Sauté the celery and onion in the melted butter until they are tender and fragrant.
- Transfer the sautéed celery and onion into a large bowl and set aside. Do not add to the casserole dish yet.
- In the same skillet, brown the ground beef until it is cooked through and no longer pink.
- Season the beef with salt, pepper, and optionally, a dash of garlic salt for extra flavor.
- Combine the cooked ground beef with the celery and onion mixture in the large bowl.
- Layer the bottom of a round casserole dish with a single layer of Tater Tots.
- Spread the meat mixture evenly over the Tater Tots layer.
- Add another layer of Tater Tots on top of the meat mixture.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk until well mixed.
- Evenly pour the soup mixture over the top of the casserole, ensuring it covers all the ingredients.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven at 350°F for 1 hour, or until the Tater Tots are golden brown and crispy.
- If the Tater Tots start to brown too quickly, cover the casserole with foil to prevent them from burning.
This Mom’s Tater Tots Casserole is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, with the creamy soup mixture complementing the savory ground beef and crispy Tater Tots. It’s a wholesome and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite! Serve it alongside a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner experience. Enjoy! 🍽️
