Best Tater Tot Casserole Recipe For Two

One of the best dinner recipes to make when I don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen, but still want a hearty comfort food meal, is this Tater Tot Casserole. It is a meal that is easy to prepare, doesn’t require a lot of ingredients, and is full of flavor.

Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or on a cold and blustery weekend, this dish hits the spot. I’ve been making tater tot casserole for years, and this version is by far my favorite.

However, what I love most about this recipe is that it can easily be adapted to use what you have in your kitchen or to adjust it to your taste preference. So if you’re looking for an easy-to-make, satisfying dinner, this casserole is a great choice.

The Best Variety of Meat To Use In Tater Tot Casserole

For this recipe, lean ground beef is a better option than regular ground beef. It has less fat, which means the casserole will stay light without being too greasy. Plus, lean beef still provides plenty of flavor, especially when combined with the Worcestershire sauce, onions, and garlic.

However, if you’re not a fan of ground beef, you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken. Just be sure to add a little oil to the skillet so that the meat doesn’t stick to the pan when browning.

Tater Tots: Names and Sizes

Tater tots are known by different names depending on what brand you purchase. Ore Ida owns the trademark name tater tots, however you can also find very similar versions under the name of potato rounds, tater bites or potato puffs.

They also come in different sizes, from mini tots to jumbo ones. For this recipe, I recommend using standard-sized frozen tater tots because they’ll cook evenly in the baking time listed.

If your baking dish is smaller, you might need to adjust the number of tater tots to fit. The key is to cover the top of the casserole evenly, so the tots get crispy and golden.

Why Use Canned Green Beans

I use canned green beans in this recipe because they’re already cooked and have a softer texture that blends perfectly with the other ingredients. Frozen green beans, on the other hand, can release water as they cook, which might make the casserole too watery.

Because you will only use half of the can of green beans, be sure to save the rest for a quick side dish served with Air Fryer Chicken Breast later in the week.

Best Recipe Substitutions For Tater Tot Casserole

If you don’t have condensed cream of mushroom soup or prefer a different flavor, here are some options:

• Cream of chicken soup: This adds a slightly milder, savory flavor that pairs well with the beef and green beans.
• Cream of celery soup: A lighter alternative that works great for those who prefer less richness.
• Homemade roux-based sauce: Make your own creamy base using butter, flour, and milk.

For the cheese, shredded cheddar is a great choice, but you can switch it up by using your favorite variety of cheese. Here are a few good options:

• Monterey Jack or Colby cheese: Both melt beautifully and add a mild flavor.
• Pepper Jack cheese: For a hint of spice.
• Mozzarella: If you want a stretchier, milder option.

As always, it is best to shred the cheese yourself so it melts better. However, being a realist, I know that most of us (me included) will use pre-shredded cheese and that is okay. The cheese might not melt into a smooth, even layer, but it will still taste delicious.

The Best Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 lb. lean ground beef
• 1/4 onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 can green beans, drained
• 1/2 can condensed cream of mushroom soup, low-sodium
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup frozen tater tots
• salt and pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Spray a small oval baking dish or a 5 x 5 square baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

Cook the ground beef: Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat and add the lean ground beef. Once the beef is partially cooked (half no longer pink), add the diced onions. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.

Season the beef: Remove the skillet from the heat. Drain any excess grease, then add the meat back to the skillet (off of the heat) and stir in the Worcestershire sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste, and mix well.

The Best Way To Assemble the Tater Tot Casserole:

• Transfer the cooked beef mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
• Spread the condensed cream of mushroom soup evenly over the beef.
• Layer the drained green beans on top of the soup. Add a little salt and pepper to season the beans.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beans.
• Finally, arrange the tater tots on top in a single, even layer.

Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The tater tots should be golden brown, and the edges of the casserole should be bubbling.

Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.

Recipe Ideas for Half a Can of Cream of Mushroom Soup

This recipe uses half a can of cream of mushroom soup. Instead of letting the rest go to waste, here are a few recipes that can help you use them up:

• 5 Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole: Another quick and simple dish that combines 5 basic ingredients into a delicious casserole that includes frozen cubed potatoes.
• Chicken and Stuffing Casserole: Use the cream of mushroom soup as a binder in this delicious chicken and stuffing casserole recipe. One of my favorite (easy to make) comfort food recipes.
• Peppered Scalloped Potatoes: Mix the leftover soup into the sauce for scalloped potatoes.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few ways to customize The Best Tater Tot Casserole to your tastes:

• Add veggies: Swap or add other vegetables like corn, peas, or diced bell peppers.
• Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
• Make it breakfast-friendly: Replace the ground beef with cooked breakfast sausage, and swap the green beans for spinach or peppers.

This Tater Tot Casserole is one of the best, comforting, easy-to-make meals that’s packed with flavor. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Enjoy! Mary

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