Get ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that perfectly marries comfort food and Italian flavors: Lasagna Tater Tot Casserole! This mouthwatering recipe is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that takes the beloved layers of lasagna and gives them a fun, crispy twist. Imagine tender layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, all topped with golden, crispy tater tots. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or impressing guests, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. Dive into this recipe to discover how to create a comforting casserole that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 package frozen tater tots
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat from the meat.
- Season the ground beef with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Begin layering the casserole: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add a layer of the ricotta and mozzarella cheese mixture over the meat sauce, spreading evenly.
- Arrange a single layer of frozen tater tots across the entire surface of the cheese layer.
- Repeat the layering process: meat sauce, cheese mixture, and tater tots until all ingredients are used, ending with a top layer of tater tots.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the tater tots.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
- Slice into portions and serve hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality marinara sauce and fresh mozzarella cheese. If you can, make your own marinara for an extra touch of homemade goodness!
- Layering is Key: Ensure even cooking and flavor distribution by layering the ingredients evenly. Don't rush this step; it makes all the difference in the final dish.
- Customize Your Meat: Feel free to swap out ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Crispy Tater Tots: For an extra crispy topping, consider baking the tater tots separately for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole. This will help achieve that perfect crunch!
- Let it Rest: After baking, allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
- Garnish for Flavor: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top before serving for a pop of color and an extra burst of flavor.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 525kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 95mg
