Description
This Tater Tot Casserole Cheesy Skillet Family Dinner is a simple, satisfying, and family-friendly meal, offering crispy edges and a creamy, bubbly center. It’s an easy weeknight solution for a hearty, comforting feast.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef or Ground Turkey
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 0.5 cup Milk
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 bag (2 lb) Frozen Tater Tots
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown and Drain: In a large, oven-safe 10-inch skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain excess fat thoroughly, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Combine Creamy Filling: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, 1 cup of shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Return to medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until thickened slightly and warmed through.
- Top with Tots: Evenly arrange the frozen tater tots over the meat mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the tots.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until the tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
Notes
Consider organic ground beef or pasture-raised ground turkey. Store-brand tater tots are a budget-friendly swap. Add canned or frozen mixed vegetables with the soup for added nutrition. For faster prep, use pre-chopped onions or pre-cooked ground beef. To prevent soggy tots, ensure they are frozen solid and do not overcrowd the skillet. If cheese browns too fast, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes. Season the meat well; a pinch of smoked paprika works wonders for a hearty flavor. For extra crispy tots, par-bake them for 10-15 minutes before adding. If the meat mixture looks dry after draining, a splash of broth will help.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 250 g)
- Calories: 570 calories
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Tater Tot Casserole, Cheesy Skillet, Family Dinner, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, Weeknight Meal, Ground Beef, Casserole