Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat, if necessary.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion (and bell pepper, if using) to the skillet with the meat and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables soften. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using) for seasoning.
Step 3: Add the Soup & Corn
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and the drained corn. Mix everything together until the soup is well combined with the meat and vegetables. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, just to warm everything through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the meat and soup mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the meat mixture.
Step 5: Add the Tater Tots
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. You can be neat and orderly, or scatter them in a more casual fashion—it’s up to you! They’ll bake up crispy and golden, creating a delicious topping.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. The casserole should be bubbling around the edges, and the cheese should be melted and gooey.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out hearty portions and enjoy the comforting layers of crispy tater tots, cheesy goodness, and savory beef. It’s the ultimate meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Tips for the Best Western Tater Tot Casserole
Use lean ground beef or turkey: For a leaner version, ground turkey or lean ground beef works great. If you’re using turkey, you may want to add a little olive oil to the pan to prevent it from drying out.
Customize the veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, like peas, green beans, or diced carrots. You can also use frozen vegetables for convenience.
Spice it up: Add some heat by sprinkling red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce into the meat mixture. You can also top the casserole with some sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and use a can of black beans or kidney beans for a vegetarian version. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
Add extra cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to sprinkle some extra cheese on top of the tater tots halfway through baking. This will give you an extra cheesy, gooey layer.
Make it ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time. Simply prepare the casserole as directed, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes if baking from cold.
Frozen tater tots: Be sure to use frozen tater tots, as fresh or thawed ones won’t crisp up as nicely. Frozen tots will create that perfectly golden, crispy topping.
Healthier Substitutes
While Western Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious indulgence, you can make some healthier swaps to suit your dietary needs:
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