If you are on the lookout for a comforting, satisfying meal that comes together quickly and pleases every palate, this Easy & Delicious Tater Tot Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe is your new best friend. It combines the crispy, golden charm of tater tots with a creamy, savory filling that is packed with ground meat, vegetables, and that unbeatable mushroom soup flavor. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this casserole feels like a warm, hearty hug in a dish that everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, making it perfect for a fuss-free meal. Each component plays an important role: the crispy tater tots add a crunchy topper, the seasoned ground meat brings protein and richness, the cream of mushroom soup creates that creamy, savory base, and the mixed veggies add bursts of color and nutrition.
- Frozen tater tots: These form the irresistibly crunchy golden crust on top of your casserole.
- Ground beef or turkey: Provides hearty flavor and a satisfying meaty texture; plant-based options work beautifully too.
- Cream of mushroom soup: The secret to a rich, creamy, and comforting sauce that binds everything together.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create the smooth sauce alongside the mushroom soup.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: Give this dish lovely pops of color and a subtle sweetness with peas, carrots, and corn.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly over the tater tots, adding sharpness and gooeyness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.
How to Make Easy & Delicious Tater Tot Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole evenly and producing those golden crispy tater tots we all love.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Next, heat a skillet over medium heat, then add your ground beef or turkey. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully browned and fragrant. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat so your casserole isn’t greasy but stays flavorful.
Step 3: Mix in the Creamy Base and Veggies
Now it’s time to bring it all together. Stir the cream of mushroom soup and milk into the meat until smooth and creamy. Toss in the frozen mixed vegetables, then season with salt and pepper to taste. This mixture is the soul of your casserole, bursting with savory mushroom goodness and wholesome vegetables.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread your meat and veggie mixture evenly across the dish. Then, layer the frozen tater tots right on top, making sure they cover the filling well. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the tater tots for that melty, golden finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You want the tater tots to be crispy and golden brown, and the cheese to bubble up nicely. The oven magic will meld all those flavors together into the ultimate comfort food you deserve.
How to Serve Easy & Delicious Tater Tot Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten your dish, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or parsley over the casserole just before serving. A few dashes of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream can also add exciting layers of flavor and a bit of tang.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some roasted seasonal vegetables. For a lighter touch, steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins topped with extra cheese and a sprinkle of paprika for color. Alternatively, add a layer of caramelized onions between the meat mixture and the tater tots for an indulgent depth of flavor that’ll impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place your leftover casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This makes for a convenient and delicious lunch or dinner on busy days when you don’t feel like cooking from scratch.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this casserole before baking by wrapping it tightly with aluminum foil and placing it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly again. Adding a few extra minutes under the broiler can revive the crispiness of the tater tots if needed.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen mixed vegetables?
Absolutely! Fresh peas, carrots, and corn work perfectly as well. Just blanch them briefly so they cook evenly in the casserole and retain their texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the ground meat for a plant-based alternative or add cooked lentils or mushrooms to keep the dish hearty and flavorful without meat.
Can I use a different cream soup instead of cream of mushroom?
Of course. Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can be good alternatives if you want to switch things up or accommodate taste preferences.
How can I make the tater tots extra crispy?
Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking, spread the tots in a single even layer without overcrowding, and consider finishing them off under the broiler for a minute or two to brown them perfectly.
Can this casserole be doubled for a bigger crowd?
Yes! Just use a larger baking dish or two casserole dishes and adjust the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on the top to avoid burning while ensuring the filling is hot through.
Final Thoughts
This Easy & Delicious Tater Tot Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite reliable go-tos when I want something cozy and downright tasty without complicated steps. Its balance of creamy, savory flavors with that crispy tater tot topping is downright irresistible. I encourage you to give it a try and make it your own—it’s comfort food at its finest, ready to brighten your table any night of the week.
Print
Easy & Delicious Tater Tot Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy and delicious Tater Tot Casserole combines a comforting mix of browned ground meat, creamy mushroom soup, and mixed vegetables, topped with crispy golden tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole is baked to perfection in just over 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey (or plant-based ground meat)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
Soup and Dairy
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Other
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature while you prepare the casserole ingredients.
- Cook Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once done, drain excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Combine Soup and Vegetables: Stir the cream of mushroom soup and milk into the cooked meat mixture. Add the frozen mixed vegetables and season generously with salt and pepper, mixing everything well to evenly distribute flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots on top in a single layer, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Mix up the vegetables based on what you have on hand—green beans or mushrooms work well too.
- For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- Use low-fat cheese and milk for a lighter version of this dish.
