Craving a hearty and comforting dish that will warm your soul? Look no further than Amy's Tater Tot Casserole, a classic comfort food that combines the irresistible flavors of crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, creamy soup, and a blend of seasonings. This iconic casserole is a beloved favorite for its ease of preparation and its ability to please even the pickiest of eaters.
In this article, you'll find not just one, but three tantalizing variations of Amy's Tater Tot Casserole, each offering a unique twist on this timeless classic. From the traditional rendition, featuring a rich and flavorful ground beef filling, to a vegetarian delight bursting with colorful veggies and a hearty lentil base, and a tantalizing Mexican-inspired version that infuses bold spices and a zesty salsa, there's a casserole here to suit every taste and dietary preference.
With step-by-step instructions and a treasure trove of tips and tricks, these recipes will guide you through the process of creating these delectable casseroles with ease. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, you'll find everything you need to make these mouthwatering dishes a hit at your next family gathering or potluck.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Amy's Tater Tot Casserole awaits, promising a symphony of flavors and textures that will transport you to comfort food heaven.
TATER TOT CASSEROLE
I first ate this hot dish, a Midwestern favorite, on a late fall evening in the humid kitchen of the cook and television star Molly Yeh, at her farmhouse in Minnesota. The casserole accompanied venison, lefse and talk of the sugar beet harvest outside. I thrilled to the cream-beefy, umami-strong flavors that sat beneath its golden, cobbled exterior, and I loved the way the potatoes soaked up the gravy that pooled below the venison. You could substitute other ground meats for the beef, and other frozen vegetables for the peas or corn, but the tots are mandatory, and I do love the addition of cheese at the end.
Provided by Sam Sifton
Categories dinner, casseroles, vegetables, main course
Time 2h
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Make the creamed soup: In a large pot, melt 6 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, celery, half the onion and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 12 to 15 minutes.
- Stir in the flour and cook for another minute. Add half the milk and cook, stirring, until thickened. Add the remaining milk and cook, stirring, until very thick. Stir in the broth base, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour into a heat-safe bowl and set aside.
- Wipe out the pot and set it back over medium-high heat. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, then add the remaining onion and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, until soft, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until browned. Stir in the peas or corn and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Using a slotted spoon, drain and discard any excess liquid from the beef mixture. Transfer half the mixture to a 4-quart casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Spread half the creamed soup mixture on top. (It can be tricky to spread the soup over the beef, but it's OK if it gets messy and mixes together a little bit.)
- Add the remaining beef mixture on top in an even layer, and spread the remaining creamed soup mixture on top. Cover with Tater Tots, sprinkle with another pinch of salt and pepper, then with cheese, if using.
- Bake until the tots are golden brown and crispy on top, about 45 minutes. Let cool slightly. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with ketchup, if using.
EASY TATER TOT® CASSEROLE
Frozen Tater Tots®, Cheddar cheese, ground beef, and cream of mushroom soup combine for a comfort food classic in this recipe.
Provided by Carol White Howden
Categories Main Dish Recipes Casserole Recipes Vegetable Tater Tots¨
Time 1h
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook and stir ground beef, onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a skillet over medium heat until beef is browned and crumbly, 7 to 10 minutes. Spread beef into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Stir cream of mushroom soup, potato nuggets, and Cheddar cheese together in a large bowl until potato nuggets are evenly coated in soup and cheese. Spread potato nugget mixture over beef mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven until browned, about 45 minutes. Sprinkle paprika and parsley flakes over the top.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 468.5 calories, Carbohydrate 22.8 g, Cholesterol 82.4 mg, Fat 32.4 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 24.3 g, SaturatedFat 13 g, Sodium 1077.2 mg, Sugar 2.8 g
Tips:
- For a crispier casserole, use frozen tater tots instead of thawed ones.
- If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can substitute cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup.
- To make the casserole ahead of time, assemble it and bake it for 30 minutes. Then, let it cool completely and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, reheat the casserole in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- For a vegetarian version of this casserole, omit the ground beef and add an extra cup of vegetables, such as diced carrots, celery, or peas.
- To add a cheesy twist to this casserole, sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top before baking.
Conclusion:
Amy's Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a potluck. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its crispy tater tots, creamy soup, and savory ground beef, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love