Cheesy Garlic Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Introduction: Indulge in comfort food bliss with this Cheesy Garlic Tater Tot Casserole. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, this crowd-pleaser combines crispy tater tots, seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and a hint of garlic for a satisfyingly delicious dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Table of Contents: Ingredients Instructions Topping Variation Q&A Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef 1 onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup 1/2 cup milk 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots (about 4 cups) 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish) Instructions: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine. In a small bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Add the soup mixture to the skillet with the beef. Stir until everything is evenly coated and heated through. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Transfer the beef and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole and return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Topping Variation: For an extra crunchy topping, mix 1 cup of crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle it over the cheese layer before baking. Q&A: Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding the other ingredients. Q: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before baking according to the instructions. Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake in a preheated oven until heated through. Q: Can I add vegetables to this casserole? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the beef mixture before topping with tater tots. Peas, carrots, corn, or green beans would all be delicious additions. Simply stir them into the beef mixture before transferring it to the baking dish.