Tater Tot Green Bean Surprise
Introduction
Tater Tot Green Bean Surprise is the ultimate comfort food that is as simple as it is delicious. This recipe is a perfect one-dish meal, ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something satisfying and hearty. Brought to you by my dear friend Shawna, this casserole combines classic ingredients like ground meat, tater tots, and green beans into a dish that’s sure to please everyone in the family. The surprise? It’s incredibly tasty and gets even better the next day, making it a great option for leftovers. Whether you’re looking for something quick to bring to a potluck or a fuss-free dinner that the kids will adore, this recipe is a winner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You only need 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking.
- Kid-Friendly: Packed with familiar flavors like cheese, meat, and tater tots, even picky eaters will love it.
- Make-Ahead: It tastes great on the second day, so it’s perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Budget-Friendly: Inexpensive ingredients make this a cost-effective dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground turkey (or beef) | 1 lb |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Frozen tater tots | 1 bag (about 1 lb) |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
| Green beans (frozen or fresh) | 2 cups |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Johnny’s Seasoning Salt (or salt and pepper) | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 471.2 kcal |
| Total Fat | 28.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Cholesterol | 56.8 mg |
| Sodium | 1247 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 36.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g |
| Sugars | 1.6 g |
| Protein | 19.4 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ground Meat
Start by browning the ground turkey or beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once browned, season with Johnny’s Seasoning Salt or your preferred seasoning (salt and pepper will work too). Once cooked through, drain any excess fat and set the meat aside. -
-
Preheat the Oven
While the meat is browning, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking. -
Assemble the Casserole
Take an 11×13-inch rectangular baking dish and line the bottom with the frozen tater tots. No need to thaw them—just lay them out in a single layer. They will cook up crispy and golden while baking. -
Layer the Ingredients
Once the tater tots are in place, layer the cooked ground meat evenly on top. Follow with the green beans, spreading them out so they cover the meat. -
Prepare the Sauce
In a large bowl or measuring cup, combine the can of cream of mushroom soup with 1 cup of milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and easy to pour. You want it to be pourable but not too runny—adjust the milk as necessary to achieve this consistency. -
Pour the Sauce
Pour the soup and milk mixture evenly over the green beans, making sure everything is covered. Spread it out gently with a spatula to coat the top of the casserole evenly. -
Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt and become golden brown during baking, adding a delicious, gooey layer to the dish. -
Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes. The casserole is done when it is bubbly, the cheese has melted, and the top is starting to brown. -
Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is hearty and comforting, perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together.
Tips and Variations
- Add Extra Veggies: You can sneak in some additional vegetables, like corn or peas, into the layers for added nutrition.
- Try Different Meats: While ground turkey or beef is the base of this recipe, ground chicken or even a vegetarian meat substitute could work as well.
- Make It Spicy: Add some chili flakes or jalapeños to give the casserole a spicy kick.
- Use Different Cheese: If you’re a fan of different cheeses, try substituting the cheddar for something like Monterey Jack or a blend of your favorites for a unique flavor twist.
Why This Recipe Works
Tater Tot Green Bean Surprise works because it combines familiar comfort foods that are loved by most—crispy tater tots, savory ground meat, creamy soup, and gooey cheese. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s a perfect one-dish meal that doesn’t require a lot of effort or fancy ingredients, making it ideal for busy families. Whether you’re looking to fill up hungry kids after school or need a dish to take to your next potluck, this casserole will never disappoint.
Conclusion
Tater Tot Green Bean Surprise is the kind of recipe that makes you realize how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious. With its combination of hearty meat, cheesy goodness, and crispy tater tots, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. And the best part? It’s easy to prepare, doesn’t require a lot of fancy ingredients, and can be made ahead of time for an even better meal the next day. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or enjoying leftovers for lunch, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Try it out today and experience the magic of this surprisingly tasty casserole!
