Tater Tots Casserole is a savory delight that combines the comforting flavors of lean ground beef, tender onions, creamy celery soup, and gooey cheddar cheese, all topped with crispy tater tots. This recipe, originally sourced from a casserole cookbook, has been enhanced with the addition of onions, adding a delightful depth of flavor to the dish. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 55 minutes, including 40 minutes in the oven, this recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, especially on busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
To start, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring that it’s nice and toasty for baking later on. While the oven is warming up, it’s time to prepare the ingredients. You’ll need 1 pound of lean ground beef, half an onion, and 1 can of cream of celery soup. Additionally, gather about 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and a bag of tater tots to top off the casserole.
Begin by browning the lean ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s cooked through and nicely browned, ensuring that it’s crumbled into small pieces for even distribution throughout the casserole. While the beef is browning, take the opportunity to sauté the finely chopped onion in the same skillet until it’s soft and translucent, infusing the beef with its aromatic flavors.
Next, it’s time to assemble the casserole. In a large casserole dish, combine the cooked ground beef and sautéed onions, spreading them out evenly across the bottom of the dish. Then, pour the cream of celery soup over the beef and onions, using a spatula to spread it evenly over the mixture, creating a creamy base for the casserole.
Once the base is prepared, it’s time to add the star of the show – the tater tots! Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef and soup mixture, ensuring that they cover the entire surface of the casserole. The crispy exterior of the tater tots will add a satisfying crunch to every bite of the casserole.
To finish off the dish, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the layer of tater tots, allowing it to melt and meld with the other ingredients as it bakes in the oven. The melted cheese will create a golden crust on top of the casserole, adding a rich and indulgent flavor to every forkful.
Finally, transfer the assembled casserole dish to the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the tater tots are crispy and cooked through. Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
With its hearty combination of savory beef, creamy soup, crispy tater tots, and gooey cheese, this Tater Tots Casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed as a cozy weeknight dinner or served up for a special occasion, this easy and flavorful recipe is guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, with its very low carb content and quick preparation time, it’s a convenient option for busy cooks looking to whip up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of comfort with this irresistible Tater Tots Casserole recipe!
