Are you ready to discover the most irresistible, crowd-pleasing dish that combines crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, and melted cheese into one mouthwatering masterpiece? Look no further than the Frisco Tater Tot Casserole – a legendary American comfort food that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone asking for seconds! This simple yet incredibly delicious recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you're craving something hearty and satisfying.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Add diced onions and cook until the onions are translucent and the beef is completely cooked through, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the beef and return the meat to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup to the beef mixture and stir until well combined, creating a creamy base for the casserole.
- Transfer the beef and soup mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture, creating a cheese layer.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, covering the entire surface of the casserole.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to set.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for added color and flavor.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider using ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20) to enhance the richness of the dish.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole.
- For a crispy top, place the casserole under the broiler for 2-3 minutes after baking if the tater tots aren't golden enough.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or a blend of cheeses for unique flavor profiles.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- For added nutrition, mix in some frozen mixed vegetables with the beef mixture.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
