How to Make Hamburger Tater Tot Casserole

Grated sharp cheddar cheese enhances tater tot casserole.

Hamburger Tater Tot casserole has been well-known since the early 1970s. Offering ingredients that kids enjoy, it makes the perfect recipe to present when introducing children to casseroles. Many hamburger Tater Tot casserole recipes call for a layer of vegetables, usually a can of drained green beans. Over the years, Tater Tot casserole bakers have dropped the vegetable layer to layer soup, mushrooms or more cheese. Some individuals that enjoy Tater Tot casseroles, have tossed out the layering steps completely, and instead mix all ingredients together before baking.

Things You'll Need

• Skillet
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Spatula
• Ground beef
• Onion (chopped)
• Glass baking dish
• Can of cream of mushroom Soup (10 3/4 oz.)
• 1/2 soup can of water
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt
• Pepper
• Mixing spoon
• Package of Tater Tots (thawed)

Instructions

1. Spray the skillet with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the ground beef into the skillet and cut it into smaller pieces with the spatula. Turn the skillet onto medium-high heat and cook it until it has browned. Add the onions. Cook until the beef is completely done. Drain any grease from the ground beef.

2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

3. Pour the ground beef and onions into the glass dish. Mix the soup, the water and the salt, pepper and cheese into the beef and onions with a mixing spoon. Add the tater tots and fold them carefully, as not to tear them, into the ingredients with the mixing spoon. This is the mixing method, not the layering method. Sprinkle some more cheese onto the top of the ingredients and place the baking dish into the center of the oven and bake until the ingredients are bubbly and the cheese in the center has melted.

Tips & Warnings

• For a recipe that is healtheir and less expensive than beef, substitute ground turkey for ground beef. Ground turkey has less fat and is delicious for making tater tot casserole.

• Before eating, dollop Ranch Dressing, Worcestershire or hot sauce on top for some added flavor.

References

• Group Recipes: Tater Tot Casserole
• Cooks: Tater Tot Casserole

Resources

• Group Recipes: Tater Tot Casserole
• Hamburger Casserole Recipes: Hamburger Tater Tot Casserole
• Cooks: Tater Tot Casserole