No-Meat Tater Tot Casserole (Vegetarian)
Cook Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Potato, Vegetable, Kid Friendly, Potluck, Weeknight, Oven, Less than 4 Hours, Easy
Description:
Indulge in the richness of this comforting vegetarian dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious! Perfect for those cozy evenings when you crave something hearty and satisfying, this No-Meat Tater Tot Casserole is a winner for both its simplicity and flavor. Pair it with a crisp salad and a slice of bread, and you’ve got yourself a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether served as a side dish or as the star of the show, this casserole is bound to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 onion
- 3 stalks of celery
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 3/4 cup of half-and-half
- 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag of frozen tater tots (about 32 ounces)
Instructions:
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Begin by sautéing the onion and celery in olive oil until they become tender and fragrant. This process should take just a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and develop.
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Once the onion and celery are cooked to perfection, set them aside to cool slightly. This step ensures that they don’t overwhelm the other ingredients when mixed together later on.
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In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion and celery with the garlic powder, black pepper, and half-and-half. Stir well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Next, add the frozen tater tots to the bowl, reserving a handful for later use. Gently toss the tater tots with the other ingredients until they are well coated.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a casserole dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray. A 13×9-inch square Pyrex baking dish works perfectly for this recipe.
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Pour the tater tot mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
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Take the reserved handful of tater tots and arrange them on top of the casserole. This adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal to the finished dish.
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Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, covering it completely. The cheese will melt and bubble as the casserole bakes, creating a gooey, irresistible topping.
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Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and just starting to turn golden brown.
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Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. This brief resting period allows the flavors to mingle and intensify, ensuring that each bite is pure perfection.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 564.4
- Fat Content: 35.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 12.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 28mg
- Sodium Content: 1112.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 53.4g
- Fiber Content: 4.8g
- Sugar Content: 1.9g
- Protein Content: 10.2g
User Reviews:
With an aggregated rating of 4 stars based on 19 reviews, this No-Meat Tater Tot Casserole has been a hit among home cooks! Its simplicity, rich flavor, and versatility make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings. Plus, with its kid-friendly appeal, it’s a surefire way to please even the pickiest eaters at the table. Give it a try and see why so many people rave about this delicious vegetarian dish!
