The Best Easy Leftover Tater Tot Casserole
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.
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 9x9-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.