Tater Tots Casserole is a dish consisting of a layer of crunchy tater tots on top, with a filling of meat, vegetables, and a savory sauce. It originates from America and is one of the favorite dishes of many families, because of its ease of preparation and delicious taste.
Do you know Tator Tots? Tater tots are shredded potatoes fried until crispy. It was originally designed to utilize leftover potato chunks from the production of French fries. This dish quickly became popular due to its savory taste and crunchy texture. Because of their versatility, Tater Tots are now often used in various dishes, including casseroles.
To increase your cooking experience, you can try making Tater Tots Casserole. The ingredients for making this dish are available in supermarkets. The preparation time is 15 minutes, while the cooking time is an hour.
An Overview of Making Tater Tots Casserole
In making this dish several important steps that should not be missed.
Preparing the filling: Start by cooking the minced meat until cooked through. Add spices according to taste then fry until fragrant.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the meat mixture into a baking dish or heatproof container. Flatten with a spatula until the surface is even. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the meat mixture, then arrange the tater tots on top of the cheese until the entire surface is covered.
Baking process: Preheat the oven before baking the casserole at 180°C until the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbles around the edges.
Serving process: Once cooked, serve the casserole and let it cool slightly. Enjoying this dish is suitable as a main meal with a green salad or grilled vegetables.
The Uniqueness of Tater Tots Casserole
Tater Tots Casserole has several features that make it a favorite dish in many families, especially in America.
Rich and Savory Taste
The combination of crunchy tater tots, savory bacon, and melty cheese creates a rich and satisfying taste. Each bite offers a different mix of textures and flavors, from the crunch of the tater tots to the tenderness of the meat and vegetable filling.
Practical and Easy to Make
One of the greatest perks of Tater Tots Casserole is how easy it is to prepare. The ingredients are simple and easy to find. The manufacturing process does not require high cooking skills. Preparing this Casserole is quick, making it ideal for busy days.
Suitable for All Ages
Everyone likes this dish, from children to adults. Kids love the crunchy tater tots, while adults can enjoy the depth of flavor from the savory filling and melted cheese.
Family-Friendly Meals
Enjoying the Tater Tots Casserole dish is suitable for the family. One pan of casserole is usually enough for family members to eat.
Variant for Breakfast
This dish makes a delicious breakfast casserole by adding eggs, sausage, and cheese. This makes this casserole versatile for breakfast.
Tips for making Tater Tots Casserole
Use Crunchy Tater Tots
Don’t freeze immediately: Make sure the tater tots are unfrozen and hard before baking them, so they will cook more evenly and get crispier in the oven.
Coat with oil: Brush a little oil over the tater tots before baking for a crispier finish.
Add Cheese Wisely
Mix and sprinkle: Mix some of the cheese into the filling for a rich flavor, and sprinkle the cheese over the tater tots for a melty, delicious coating.
Type of cheese: Use a cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or mozzarella for the best flavor and texture.
Check the Consistency of the Filling
Not too dry or watery: Make sure the casserole filling is the right consistency, not too dry and not too watery. If it’s too runny, the casserole can become soggy. If it’s too dry, add a little milk to the mixture.
Prepare Beforehand
Preparation: Tater Preparing Tots Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator before baking. This makes it easy if you want to prepare this dish for dinner on a busy day.
Let’s make Tater Tots Casserole!
Ingredients of Tater Tots Casserole
- 500 g Tater Tots: The main ingredient that gives the crispy texture to the top of the casserole.
- 1 lb Ground Beef: Gives a strong umami taste, which is an important component in this dish.
- ½ Onion: Gives a gentle sweet taste and distinctive aroma that enriches the overall taste of the casserole.
- 4 slice Beef Bacon: Adds a distinctive smokey taste, as well as a slightly salty and savory taste.
- 2 cup Cheddar Cheese slice: The cheese melts and creates a creamy, smooth layer on top of the casserole.
- ½ tsp Onion Powder: Adds flavor consistency.
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder: Adds flavor consistency.
- ½ tsp Salt: Balances the overall taste of the dish.
- ½ tsp Pepper: Balances the overall taste of the dish.
- 2 Egg: Bringing all the ingredients together, gives structure to the casserole and ensures the filling doesn’t fall apart when serving it.
- 2 cup Milk: Add the filling to make it soft.
- 2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce: Improves the umami taste of beef.
- Parsley garnish: Used as decoration and to add fresh flavor.
How to Make Tater Tots Casserole
Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until completely browned and crumbly, 7 to 10 minutes. Add egg, onion, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder then stir until mixed.
Transfer the ground beef mixture to a baking dish. Add cheddar cheese slice and sprinkle with beef bacon and parsley as a garnish layer Tater tots evenly on top.
Bake in the preheated oven until tater tots are golden brown and hot, 30 to 45 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!
Nutrient Content
Carbohydrates: Tater Tots as the main ingredient, are made from potatoes which are a source of carbohydrates.
Protein: Comes from minced meat such as beef, chicken, or turkey. Protein is important for muscle growth and maintenance.
Calcium: Cheese used in casseroles is a good source of calcium, which is important for healthy bones and teeth.
Serving Recommendations
Tater Tots Casserole is a delicious and filling meal, but to create a balance of flavor and nutrition, there are several great sides to serve with it.
Fresh salad: A green salad with fresh vegetables like lettuce, spinach, cucumber, tomatoes, and carrots is the perfect accompaniment.
Garlic bread: Savory and crunchy garlic bread can add extra flavor and a different texture when eaten with casseroles.
Sliced fresh fruit: To finish off the meal with a light, fresh taste, sliced fresh fruit such as melon, grapes, or apples can be a great choice. These fruits provide a natural balance with a light sweet taste.
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Tater Tots Casserole
Ingredients
- 500 g Tater Tots
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- ½ Onion
- 4 slice Beef Bacon chopped
- 2 cup Cheddar Cheese slice or grated
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Pepper
- 2 Egg
- 2 cup Milk
- 2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- Parsley garnish
Instructions
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Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175℃).
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until completely browned and crumbly, 7 to 10 minutes and set aside.
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In the same pan, sautee onion then add worcestershire sauce, stir to combine. Add back cooked ground beef to the pan then stir again until well combined. Cook chopped beef bacon for 3 minutes then remove from the pan and set aside.
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In a measuring cup, combine egg, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper then mix well with a whisk.
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Transfer the ground beef mixture to a baking dish, then pour the milk mixture over it. Add grated or sliced cheddar cheese then top it with tater tots until covered. Sprinkle it with more grated cheddar cheese and beef bacon as a garnish layer Tater tots evenly on top.
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Bake in the preheated oven until tater tots are golden brown and hot, 30 to 45 minutes.
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Garnish with dried parsley before serving. Enjoy!
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