The Comfort of Tater Tot Casserole
Imagine sinking your fork into a warm, cheesy blend of beef, creamy goodness, and crispy tater tots. Tater Tot Casserole (No Condensed Soup) is not just a meal; it’s a cozy hug in a pan! This easy, one-pan recipe whips together in no time, eliminating the need for condensed soup and instead relies on fresh, simple ingredients. On those chilly nights or busy weeknights, this dish becomes your go-to for pure comfort with minimal effort.
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you dive into this Tater Tot Casserole? For starters, it’s family-approved and fits the bill for dinner without breaking the bank. You can expect easy cleanup and fewer pots to wash—who doesn’t love that? Plus, this dish is so versatile that even picky eaters will find something to love. Get ready for a crowd-pleaser, folks!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics! Gather the following:
- 1 lb ground beef
- Salt and pepper
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 shallot (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp gluten-free or all-purpose flour
- 1-1/2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup milk (use skim)
- 2 tbsp gluten-free tamari or soy sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 lb bag tater tots
Directions
Follow these easy steps to create your Tater Tot Casserole masterpiece:
- Preheat your oven according to the tater tot bag instructions.
- In a large, oven-proof skillet (cast iron is best), brown the ground beef over medium-high heat and season with salt and pepper. Drain and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt butter in the skillet. Add mushrooms and shallots, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Sprinkle flour into the skillet and whisk until combined; cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth and milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Stir in tamari or soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Increase the heat slightly until bubbling, then simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and mix in the ground beef.
- Arrange tater tots on top of the mixture.
- Bake according to the tater tot bag instructions, placing the skillet on a baking sheet (pro tip: catch any drips)!
- Allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Make Tater Tot Casserole (No Condensed Soup) (Overview)
Making Tater Tot Casserole is as easy as pie! Start by browning the beef in your skillet—it sets the stage for the savory flavor. Sauté the mushrooms and aromatics for an umami kick, then create a creamy sauce that’ll hug each ingredient. Don’t skip toasting the garlic; it makes all the difference! Top with crispy tater tots, bake, and voilà, a hearty meal.
How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole (No Condensed Soup)
Serving Tater Tot Casserole is both fun and creative! Try garnishing it with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra indulgence. The contrasting colors of the golden tots against the rich beef mixture create an eye-catching dish. Plus, the crunch of the tater tots mingling with the savory flavor is just pure bliss. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
How to Store Tater Tot Casserole (No Condensed Soup)
Leftovers? No problem! This casserole keeps well for about 3-4 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, just pop it in the oven until heated through, and you’ll have a cozy meal waiting for you again. If you’re planning to make ahead, assemble it and store it without baking to keep everything nice and fresh.
Tips to Make Tater Tot Casserole (No Condensed Soup)
- Don’t rush the browning of the beef; it adds a ton of flavor.
- Experiment with different veggies! Try adding bell peppers or spinach to pack in those nutrients.
- If you like it spicy, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes—it’s like a flavor party!
- You can swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian dish.
Variation
Want to shake things up? Try using vegan cheese and plant-based ground meat for a vegan twist. Feel free to incorporate chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an added layer of flavor. Mix in some frozen mixed vegetables for extra nutrients, or change up the sauces to reflect your taste!
FAQs
Can I freeze Tater Tot Casserole?
Absolutely! Just assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and freeze. Bake from frozen when you’re ready!
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a healthier spin.
Can I make this in advance?
Sure! You can prep the skillet mixture a day ahead. Just assemble and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven according to the tater tot bag instructions.
- In a large, oven-proof skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat and season with salt and pepper. Drain and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the skillet. Add mushrooms and shallots, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Sprinkle flour into the skillet and whisk until combined; cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth and milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Stir in tamari or soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Increase heat slightly until bubbling, then simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and mix in the ground beef.
- Arrange tater tots on top of the mixture.
- Bake according to tater tot bag instructions, placing the skillet on a baking sheet.
- Allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving.