The Best Easy Leftover Tater Tot Casserole
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The Best Easy Leftover Tater Tot Casserole helps you bake up a fast meal for dinner that will please your entire family. This delicious casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a meal that’s both comforting and quick to prepare. With simple ingredients like frozen tater tots, cream of mushroom soup, and shredded cheese, this easy tater tot casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
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What to do with Leftover Tater Tots?
Did you make too many tater tots and have some on hand in the fridge? We have a solution for a quick and easy weeknight meal. One of the best things about this casserole is how easy it is to put together, similar to our Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Using leftover tater tots is a great way to save time and reduce waste. Simply spread the tater tots in a single layer in a greased baking dish, and you’re well on your way to a satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding teenage boys after a football game or just need a simple dinner that the whole family will enjoy, this easy weeknight dinner is a great choice.
Crispy Tater Tots, Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
This easy recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand. The base of the casserole is made up of crispy tater tots, which add a delightful crunch to the dish. The ground beef mixture (or ground turkey for a leaner option) is cooked in a large skillet over medium heat, then combined with cream of mushroom soup and sour cream to create a rich and creamy filling.
Onion powder and chopped onion add depth to the flavor, while black pepper gives the dish just the right amount of kick. If you want to add a bit of color and extra nutrients, consider tossing in some bell pepper or green beans. The whole milk and shredded cheese help to create a gooey, cheesy top layer that your family will adore.
A Versatile Dish for Every Occasion
Not only is this easy tater tot casserole great for dinner, but it also makes a fantastic tater tot breakfast casserole. Simply swap out the ground beef mixture for an egg mixture, and you’ve got a hearty breakfast that will keep you full all morning. You can also prepare this casserole in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for a next-day hearty casserole.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of leftover tater tots
- 2 cups of cooked meat (such as ham chunks, ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup (or any cream-based soup)
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup of chopped onion
- 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots (or any preferred frozen vegetables)
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the dish
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Layer the Tater Tots: Spread the leftover tater tots evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. This will serve as the base of your casserole.
Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large skillet, cook the chopped onion over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. If you’re using ground meat, you can add it to the skillet and cook until browned. If you’re using pre-cooked meat like ham, shredded chicken or sausage, simply warm it through.
Combine the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Stir in half of the shredded cheese and the cooked meat mixture.
Add Vegetables: Fold in the frozen peas and carrots (or your preferred vegetables) to the mixture.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the meat and vegetable mixture over the layer of tater tots in the baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula to ensure it covers the tots.
Top with Tater Tots: Arrange another layer of leftover tater tots on top of the casserole. Sprinkle it with remaining cheese.
Bake: Cover with foil and place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If desired, garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Storing and Reheating Tater Tot Casserole
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because this dish is so delicious), simply cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge. It will keep well for up to three days in an airtight container. To reheat, simply pop the dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Tater Tot Casserole Variations to Try
While the classic tater tot casserole is always a hit, there are plenty of ways to make this dish your own. Try adding leftover chili for a spicier twist, or mix in some bell pepper for extra crunch. If you’re making this dish for a family gathering or a potluck, doubling the recipe is a great idea—it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Another variation to consider is the tater tot hotdish, a similar recipe popular in the Midwest. This version often includes green beans and uses a cream soup base, making it a great dish for those who love a bit of variety.
The Perfect Tater Tot Casserole for Busy Lives
This easy tater tot casserole isn’t just a meal—it’s a great way to bring the family together around the dinner table. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a hearty dish for a special occasion, this casserole is a fantastic choice. The best part? The simple ingredients and quick cooking time mean you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the people you love.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this delicious casserole is an easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings. The combination of crispy tater tots, creamy filling, and gooey cheese makes it a main dish that your entire family loves. Plus, with the flexibility to customize the ingredients, it’s a dish you can make again and again without ever getting bored. Give this easy tater tot casserole a try—you won’t be disappointed!
The Best Easy Leftover Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 cups of leftover tater tots
- 2 cups of cooked meat such as ham chunks, ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken
- 1 can 10.5 oz of cream of mushroom soup (or any cream-based soup)
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1/2 cup of chopped onion
- 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots or any preferred frozen vegetables
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the dish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Layer the Tater Tots: Spread the leftover tater tots evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. This will serve as the base of your casserole.
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large skillet, cook the chopped onion over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. If you’re using ground meat, you can add it to the skillet and cook until browned. If you’re using pre-cooked meat like ham, shredded chicken or sausage, simply warm it through.
- Combine the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheese and the cooked meat mixture.
- Add Vegetables: Fold in the frozen peas and carrots (or your preferred vegetables) to the mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the meat and vegetable mixture over the layer of tater tots in the baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula to ensure it covers the tots.
- Top with Tater Tots: Arrange another layer of leftover tater tots on top of the casserole. Sprinkle it with remaining cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If desired, garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Meat Variations: You can customize the recipe using whatever leftover meat you have on hand, such as ham, ground beef, shredded chicken, or sausage.
- Vegetable Options: Feel free to substitute peas and carrots with other frozen vegetables like green beans, corn, or broccoli. This is a versatile recipe, so you can use what you have available.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is classic, you can experiment with other cheese varieties like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a sharp cheese for different flavors.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: You can swap this for any cream-based soup, like cream of chicken or cream of celery, depending on your taste preference or what’s in your pantry.
- Leftovers: This casserole keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
