Updated Thu Jan 11 2024

Tater Tot Casserole Recipes

Q: How do I make the casserole less greasy?

To make a Tater Tot Casserole less greasy, you can follow these steps: 1. **Choose Lean Meat**: If your casserole includes ground beef or pork, opt for leaner cuts (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce the amount of fat. 2. **Drain Fat**: After browning the meat, always drain off any excess fat before adding it to your casserole. 3. **Reduce Cheese**: Cheese can add grease to the dish; consider using less cheese or opting for lower-fat cheese options. 4. **Add Vegetables**: Incorporate more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach which will absorb some of the grease and add fiber. 5. **Use a Slotted Spoon**: When serving the casserole, use a slotted spoon to allow any grease at the bottom of the pan to drain off. 6. **Paper Towels Trick**: If you notice excess grease on top after baking, gently lay paper towels over it to soak up some of the oil before removing them carefully. 7. **Bake Tater Tots Separately**: Bake tater tots on a wire rack over a baking sheet so that any extra fat can drip away from them before adding them on top of your casserole for final baking. 8. **Avoid Cream Soups**: Many recipes call for cream soups which can be greasy; look for low-fat versions or make a homemade white sauce with skim milk as an alternative. 9. **Skim Grease Post-Baking**: After baking and letting it sit for a few minutes, use a spoon to skim off any grease that has risen to the top around edges or corners before serving. By implementing these tips into your cooking process, you should be able to create a delicious Tater Tot Casserole that's less greasy while still being flavorful and satisfying!

Q: Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?

Yes, you can definitely substitute ground beef with another type of meat in Tater Tot Casserole. Some popular alternatives include: 1. **Ground Turkey**: Ground turkey is a leaner option compared to beef and can be a healthier alternative. It has a mild flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in the casserole. 2. **Ground Chicken**: Similar to ground turkey, ground chicken is also a lean option that works well in this dish. It has a slightly milder taste compared to beef but still adds great flavor. 3. **Ground Pork**: If you prefer a richer and slightly fattier meat, ground pork can be an excellent substitute for beef in Tater Tot Casserole. It adds its own unique flavor profile to the dish. 4. **Vegetarian/Vegan Options**: For those who follow vegetarian or vegan diets, you can use plant-based alternatives such as crumbled tofu or tempeh as substitutes for ground meat. Remember to adjust cooking times accordingly based on the type of meat you choose, as different meats may require varying cooking times for optimal results.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese than cheddar?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of cheese than cheddar in Tater Tot Casserole. While cheddar cheese is commonly used for its sharp and tangy flavor, you can experiment with other types of cheeses to add your own twist to the dish. Some delicious alternatives include: 1. **Monterey Jack**: This cheese has a mild and creamy flavor that melts beautifully, making it a great substitute for cheddar. 2. **Colby**: Similar to cheddar, Colby cheese has a slightly milder taste and is known for its smooth texture when melted. 3. **Pepper Jack**: If you prefer some heat in your casserole, try using Pepper Jack cheese which adds a spicy kick with its blend of jalapenos and Monterey Jack. 4. **Gruyère**: This Swiss cheese variety has a nutty and slightly sweet taste that pairs well with potatoes, giving your casserole an elevated flavor profile. Feel free to get creative and mix different cheeses together to find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds!

Q: How do I store leftovers of this casserole?

To store leftovers of Tater Tot Casserole, follow these steps: 1. **Let the casserole cool**: Before storing, allow the casserole to cool down to room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container which could make the tater tots soggy. 2. **Choose an airtight container**: Transfer the cooled casserole into an airtight container. If you have a large amount of leftovers, you might want to divide them into smaller portions for easier reheating. 3. **Refrigerate or freeze**: - *Refrigerate*: If you plan on eating the leftovers within 3-4 days, place them in the refrigerator. - *Freeze*: For longer storage, wrap your casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag or use an airtight freezer-safe container. Properly stored, frozen Tater Tot Casserole can last for up to 2 months. 4. **Label and date**: It's always helpful to label your containers with both contents and date so that you can keep track of how long they've been stored. When ready to eat, reheat refrigerated leftovers in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout (about 20 minutes), or microwave individual servings for a quicker option. For frozen casseroles, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed above.

Tater Tot Casserole is a tasty and comforting dish that the whole family will love. This easy-to-make casserole typically includes ground meat, vegetables, cheese, and of course, crispy tater tots on top. Baked to perfection, it's a delicious meal that is perfect for any occasion or busy weeknight dinner.

119 recipes to choose from

Recipes (119)

Discover 119 unique Tater Tot Casserole recipes. Each with it's own twist on the recipe. Read our review top find our top Tater Tot Casserole recipes out there.

# 1

Tex-Mex Tater Tot Casserole

Pound Dropper

This Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole recipe is on repeat at our house year round. This tater tot casserole is packed with lean ground beef, black beans, corn, green chilies, diced tomatoes, then covered i...

Dairy-Free

55 mins

# 2

Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Whisk Affair

A delicious casserole recipe, Tater Tot Casserole or Cowboy Casserole is filled with the goodness of ground chicken, beans, corn, soup, cheese, and tater tots. Here’s how to make it.

1h 10 mins

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# 3

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

The Spruce Eats

This tater tot casserole is a family favorite, and a hit with the kids. The ground beef casserole is topped with tater tots and baked to perfection.

1h 40 mins

Taco Tater Tots Casserole

Food.com

I found this on the Miserly Mom's website and have cooked many times - my family loves it - especially my 11 year old!

1h 5 mins

Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Bake

Taste of Home

This bacon cheeseburger tater tot casserole is the perfect dish to bribe your kids; homework, chores, piano practice—consider them done! —Deanna Zewen, Union Grove, Wisconsin

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Gluten Free Tater Tot Casserole Recipes

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Top 3 Recipe Review

A Southwestern Twist on a Classic

Pound Dropper

The Tex-Mex Tater Tot Casserole from Pound Dropper is a delightful spin on the traditional casserole, infusing it with bold Southwestern flavors. The use of lean ground beef or poultry makes it a healthier option, while the addition of taco seasoning, green chiles, and enchilada sauce gives it an authentic Tex-Mex vibe. Black beans and corn add texture and fiber to this hearty dish. Topped with crispy tater tots and optional cilantro and green onions for garnish, this recipe is perfect for those looking to spice up their casserole game.

Comfort Food with a Creamy Twist

Whisk Affair

Whisk Affair's Tater Tot Casserole Recipe takes comfort food to new heights by incorporating creamy elements that blend seamlessly with the savory chicken base. Chopped garlic adds depth to the flavor profile, while Worcestershire sauce provides a subtle tanginess that complements the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream mixture. Green beans add crunch, corn brings sweetness, all enveloped in melted cheddar cheese goodness. This version is ideal for those who enjoy their casseroles rich and indulgent.

Classic Homestyle Favorite

The Spruce Eats

Easy Tater Tot Casserole from The Spruce Eats sticks close to home with its classic approach that's reminiscent of family dinners. Ground beef paired with chopped onion lays down a familiar foundation enhanced by garlic powder. Mixed vegetables ensure you're getting your greens in every bite while condensed cream of mushroom soup enriches the dish without overpowering it. Worcestershire sauce adds complexity as shredded cheddar cheese promises gooey satisfaction in every layer—making this recipe perfect for anyone craving homestyle comfort.

Conclusion

Each recipe offers its own unique take on the beloved tater tot casserole: Pound Dropper's version stands out for those craving zesty flavors; Whisk Affair appeals to lovers of creamy textures; while The Spruce Eats caters perfectly to traditionalists seeking classic comfort food vibes. Whether you're after something new or sticking with what you know best—there's a tater tot casserole here that will satisfy any palate or preference.

Frequently asked questions

1. How do I make the casserole less greasy?

2. Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?

3. Can I use a different type of cheese than cheddar?

4. How do I store leftovers of this casserole?

1. How do I make the casserole less greasy?

To make a Tater Tot Casserole less greasy, you can follow these steps:

Choose Lean Meat: If your casserole includes ground beef or pork, opt for leaner cuts (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce the amount of fat.
Drain Fat: After browning the meat, always drain off any excess fat before adding it to your casserole.
Reduce Cheese: Cheese can add grease to the dish; consider using less cheese or opting for lower-fat cheese options.
Add Vegetables: Incorporate more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach which will absorb some of the grease and add fiber.
Use a Slotted Spoon: When serving the casserole, use a slotted spoon to allow any grease at the bottom of the pan to drain off.
Paper Towels Trick: If you notice excess grease on top after baking, gently lay paper towels over it to soak up some of the oil before removing them carefully.
Bake Tater Tots Separately: Bake tater tots on a wire rack over a baking sheet so that any extra fat can drip away from them before adding them on top of your casserole for final baking.
Avoid Cream Soups: Many recipes call for cream soups which can be greasy; look for low-fat versions or make a homemade white sauce with skim milk as an alternative.
Skim Grease Post-Baking: After baking and letting it sit for a few minutes, use a spoon to skim off any grease that has risen to the top around edges or corners before serving.

By implementing these tips into your cooking process, you should be able to create a delicious Tater Tot Casserole that's less greasy while still being flavorful and satisfying!

2. Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?

Yes, you can definitely substitute ground beef with another type of meat in Tater Tot Casserole. Some popular alternatives include:

Ground Turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option compared to beef and can be a healthier alternative. It has a mild flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in the casserole.
Ground Chicken: Similar to ground turkey, ground chicken is also a lean option that works well in this dish. It has a slightly milder taste compared to beef but still adds great flavor.
Ground Pork: If you prefer a richer and slightly fattier meat, ground pork can be an excellent substitute for beef in Tater Tot Casserole. It adds its own unique flavor profile to the dish.
Vegetarian/Vegan Options: For those who follow vegetarian or vegan diets, you can use plant-based alternatives such as crumbled tofu or tempeh as substitutes for ground meat.

Remember to adjust cooking times accordingly based on the type of meat you choose, as different meats may require varying cooking times for optimal results.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese than cheddar?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of cheese than cheddar in Tater Tot Casserole. While cheddar cheese is commonly used for its sharp and tangy flavor, you can experiment with other types of cheeses to add your own twist to the dish. Some delicious alternatives include:

Monterey Jack: This cheese has a mild and creamy flavor that melts beautifully, making it a great substitute for cheddar.
Colby: Similar to cheddar, Colby cheese has a slightly milder taste and is known for its smooth texture when melted.
Pepper Jack: If you prefer some heat in your casserole, try using Pepper Jack cheese which adds a spicy kick with its blend of jalapenos and Monterey Jack.
Gruyère: This Swiss cheese variety has a nutty and slightly sweet taste that pairs well with potatoes, giving your casserole an elevated flavor profile.

Feel free to get creative and mix different cheeses together to find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds!

4. How do I store leftovers of this casserole?

To store leftovers of Tater Tot Casserole, follow these steps:

Let the casserole cool: Before storing, allow the casserole to cool down to room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container which could make the tater tots soggy.
Choose an airtight container: Transfer the cooled casserole into an airtight container. If you have a large amount of leftovers, you might want to divide them into smaller portions for easier reheating.
Refrigerate or freeze:
- Refrigerate: If you plan on eating the leftovers within 3-4 days, place them in the refrigerator.
- Freeze: For longer storage, wrap your casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag or use an airtight freezer-safe container. Properly stored, frozen Tater Tot Casserole can last for up to 2 months.
Label and date: It's always helpful to label your containers with both contents and date so that you can keep track of how long they've been stored.

When ready to eat, reheat refrigerated leftovers in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout (about 20 minutes), or microwave individual servings for a quicker option. For frozen casseroles, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed above.

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