Instant Pot Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that has become a popular comfort food for many. This casserole combines all the classic flavors of ground beef, vegetables, and creamy sauce with the crispy, golden goodness of Tater Tots.
Not only is it an easy and convenient one-dish meal, but it is also budget-friendly and perfect for feeding a large group of people. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to bring to a potluck, Tater Tot Casserole will surely be a hit with everyone.
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Why I love this recipe
- It’s an easy one-dish meal: Tater Tot Casserole is incredibly convenient, requiring only a single baking dish and skillet. There’s no need to prepare separate sides or accompaniments, as everything you need is all in one place. This makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights, or anytime you need to feed a crowd.
- It’s budget-friendly: The main ingredients for Tater Tot Casserole, such as ground beef, vegetables, and Tater Tots, are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most grocery stores. Tater Tot Casserole is a great way to stretch your food budget because it is a one-dish meal without additional sides or accompaniments. This makes it an excellent option for potlucks, family gatherings, or anytime you need to feed a large group of people on a budget.
- It’s customizable: One of the great things about Tater Tot Casserole is its versatility. You can easily swap out the ground beef for another protein source, such as ground turkey or tofu, and mix and match different vegetables and cheeses to suit your preferences. This makes it a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions or preferences.
- It’s comforting: Tater Tot Casserole is a classic comfort food satisfying your craving for something warm and hearty. The combination of creamy sauce, tender beef, and crispy Tater Tots makes a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for cold winter nights or anytime you need a little comfort.
Watch the video: Tater tot casserole
It can feed a large group of people
Tater Tot Casserole is not only convenient and delicious, but it is also a budget-friendly option for feeding a large group of people. The main ingredients for Tater Tot Casserole, such as ground beef, vegetables, and Tater Tots, are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most grocery stores.
Tater Tot Casserole is a great way to stretch your food budget because it is a one-dish meal without additional sides or accompaniments. This makes it an excellent option for potlucks, family gatherings, or anytime you need to feed a large group of people on a budget.
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Ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 Pound Lean Ground Beef
- ½ White onion, Diced
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Pepper
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- 2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
For the creamy sauce:
- ⅓ cup Sour Cream
- 1 10 oz can of condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 10 oz can of cream of mushroom
- 1 can of corn (drained)
- 1 can of green beans (drained)
For Toppings:
- 32 Ounce Package Frozen Tater Tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Note:
My version of Tater Tot Casserole in the Instant Pot differs slightly from the traditional layering method. Still, after making it for years, this approach results in a more flavorful casserole with a more accurate cooking time. Here are the steps for making Tater Tot Casserole in the Instant Pot
Step-by-step instructions:
Step 1
Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Once heated, add the ground beef to the pot and use a spoon or spatula to break it up and begin browning it.
Step 2
Add the diced onion, garlic powder, salt, cumin powder, and pepper to the pot and stir to combine. Frequently stir the mixture until the ground beef has browned, which should take about 5 minutes. After browning the beef, stir in the Worcestershire sauce to add extra flavor.
Step 3
After that, drain any excess grease if necessary, then transfer it to a mixing bowl. Instead of layering the ingredients traditionally, mix the cooked beef with two cans of soup, sour cream, vegetables, and shredded cheese.
Mixing all ingredients helps distribute the flavors evenly and prevents the meat from drying, creating a flavorful mixture perfect for topping with Tater Tots. This makes a delicious base for the casserole.
Step 4
Pour the beef and soup mixture into a pre-greased baking dish and smooth it out into an even layer.
Step 5
Arrange the tater tots on top of the mixture in a single layer. The number of tater tots you use is up to you – I like to cover the entire surface of the casserole and distribute them evenly.
Step 6
Cook the tater tots casserole at 350°F for 50 minutes to achieve a hot, bubbly casserole with melted cheese and crispy, light brown tater tots. Though it may be tempting to use a higher cooking temperature, it is best to go lower and slower to ensure the best results.
Step 7
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. Place the casserole back in the oven and bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted. The results are a delicious tater tot casserole that everyone in the family will love!
Expert tips for perfect Tater Tot casserole every time
1 Dish size matters:
This casserole is a perfect fit for a 9×13-inch dish. When you have added all the layers, you should have used about ¾ of the tub.
The overflowing liquid may occur if you use a dish that is too small, while using a dish that is too large may result in the liquid evaporating and the casserole drying out.
2 Add extra moisture to the casserole if needed:
If the beef mixture seems too dry, double the mushroom soup amount. This will help to keep the casserole moist and flavorful.
3 Use cooking spray to make cleanup easier:
Be sure to spray the baking dish with cooking oil before adding the layers to the casserole. The casserole will be less likely to stick to the dish and easier to clean up afterward.
Tips or variations for the recipe
Here are a few tips and variations that you might find helpful when making Tater Tot Casserole:
- Add diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, ground beef, and vegetables to make the casserole even more flavorful. For added flavor, you can also sprinkle in some herbs or spices, such as minced garlic or Italian seasoning.
- For a crunchy, crispy topping, you can sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top of the Tater Tots before baking the casserole.
- Mix some diced cooked chicken or turkey with ground beef if you want to add extra protein to the casserole. You can also add in some crumbled bacon or sausage for added flavor.
- For a vegetarian version of Tater Tot Casserole, you can omit ground beef and use tofu or black beans as a protein source. Add extra vegetables, such as corn, diced tomatoes, or bell peppers, to make the casserole even more hearty and satisfying.
- To switch things up, you can use different types of frozen vegetables in the casserole, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or mixed vegetables. You can also use fresh vegetables; cook them until tender before adding them to the casserole.
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Can you use frozen vegetables?
You can use canned or frozen vegetables in this recipe; both work well. Some popular options for this casserole include green beans, corn, peas, carrots, and broccoli. Use whatever vegetables your family prefers.
In terms of cheese, sharp cheddar is a good choice, but you can also try adding parmesan or mixing different types of cheese to create your own unique flavor. Feel free to experiment and make the recipe your own.
How long does it take to cook Tater Tot Casserole?
The optimal temperature for cooking tater tots casserole is 350°F. Avoid increasing the oven temperature and bake at a lower temperature for longer. Cooking at 350°F will produce a hot, bubbly dish with melted cheese and perfectly crispy, light brown tater tots.
This should take approximately 30 – 45 minutes. After the initial bake, top the casserole with additional shredded cheese and return it to the oven for 5 minutes before serving.
Can you freeze tater tot casserole?
It is possible to freeze the tater tot casserole for later use. To do so, prepare the casserole up until the point of baking. Instead of placing it in the oven, wrap the casserole dish in plastic and aluminum foil, and label it with the current date. You can store the casserole in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to bake the casserole, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Then, follow the original baking instructions, remembering to add extra shredded cheese during the last 5 minutes.
FAQ: Related questions
You can cook the tater tots in an air fryer before adding them to the casserole. Pre-cooking the tater tots in the air fryer can help them become more crispy and browned before being baked in the casserole.
However, remember that the tater tots will continue to cook and brown as the casserole bakes, so you may want to reduce the cooking time in the air fryer to prevent the tater tots from becoming overcooked. It may also be necessary to slightly reduce the baking time of the casserole to compensate for pre-cooking the tater tots.
It is possible to make a tater tot casserole in a slow cooker. To do so, you must prepare the casserole as directed, layering the ingredients in the slow cooker instead of a baking dish.
Cook the casserole on the low setting for 6-8 hours or the high setting for 3-4 hours until the meat is cooked and the tater tots are tender. Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the size and strength of your slow cooker and the specific ingredients you are using. You can use either frozen or thawed tater tots in the recipe.
In a tater-tot casserole recipe, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. These meats have a slightly different flavor and texture than beef but are an excellent substitute for meat in many recipes because they are lower in fat.
Ground turkey is made from ground dark and white meat and has a slightly leaner texture and milder flavor than ground beef. It can be a good choice for those looking to reduce their saturated fat intake.
Ground chicken is made from white meat with a lean texture and mild flavor. It can be a good option for those who prefer the taste of chicken or want a leaner alternative to beef.
Note: You may want to add seasonings to boost the dish’s flavor when using ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. You may also need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as these meats may cook faster than beef.
Yes, you can add other vegetables to a tater-tot casserole recipe. This can greatly boost the dish’s nutritional content and add more flavor and texture. Some vegetables that would work well in a tater tot casserole include chopped bell peppers, diced onions, sliced mushrooms, and chopped zucchini. Mix and match vegetables to suit your taste preferences and what you have on hand.
Remember that adding more vegetables may alter the overall texture and flavor of the casserole. You may also need to adjust the cooking time slightly to cook the vegetables fully. Experiment with different combinations of vegetables to find the ones you and your family enjoy the most.
Sharp cheddar is a common choice for this dish, but you can experiment with other types of cheese to add additional flavor. Some options include mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby, or a combination of cheese.
Using a different type of cheese will change the flavor and texture of the casserole. For example, mozzarella may give the casserole a creamier, softer texture, while a sharp cheddar will add a stronger, more pronounced flavor. Experiment with different types of cheese to find the one you and your family enjoy the most. You can also try mixing different types of cheese to create a unique flavor combination.
Vegetarians can make tater tot casserole by leaving out the meat. To do so, you will need to omit the ground beef and any other meat ingredients called for in the recipe.
Leaving out the meat will change the flavor and protein content of the dish. If meat is not an option, you can add vegetables or plant-based protein sources, such as beans or tofu, to the casserole to compensate for the absence of meat. You may also want to add seasonings or spices to boost the dish’s flavor.
Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables and tater tots are cooked to your liking. Keep in mind that leaving out the meat will also alter the texture of the casserole. It may be less dense and more loosely packed without the ground beef.
To store leftovers of a tater tot casserole, allow it to cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store the tater tot casserole in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To freeze the casserole, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a resealable freezer bag. Label and date the container, and then put it in the freezer. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the oven or microwave until it is hot and bubbly.
To freeze the casserole, allow it to cool completely and then transfer it to a resealable freezer bag or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Label and date the container, and then place it in the freezer. You can store the tater tot casserole in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you are ready to eat the leftovers, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the oven or microwave until it is hot and bubbly. Remember that the tater tots’ texture may change slightly after being frozen and reheated. They may become softer and less crisp but should still be flavorful and enjoyable.
Yes, it is possible to make a tater tot casserole recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free tater tots and a gluten-free beef broth or soup. You will also need to check the labels of any other ingredients you use to ensure they are gluten-free. Some common ingredients that may contain gluten in tater tot casserole recipes include soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and certain types of cheese.
Making a tater tot casserole gluten-free will not significantly alter the flavor or texture of the dish, but it will make it suitable for those who need to follow a gluten-free diet. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the tater tots are fully cooked, and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Yes, you can make a tater tot casserole recipe dairy-free by omitting the cheese and using a dairy-free milk or cream substitute instead of the milk or cream called for in the recipe. You will also need to check the labels of any other ingredients you use to ensure they are dairy-free.
Making a tater tot casserole dairy-free will alter the flavor and texture of the dish. The casserole will not have the creamy, rich flavor and texture of cheese and milk, but it can still be a tasty and satisfying meal. Add more seasonings or spices to boost the dish’s flavor if necessary. A slight adjustment is needed to ensure the tater tots are fully cooked and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Recipe
Instant Pot Tater Tot Casserole
Equipments:
- Instant pot
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- ½ white onion (diced)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
For Creamy Sauce:
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 10 oz cream of mushroom (1 can)
- 10 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup (1 can)
- 8 oz corn (in can)
- 14.5 oz green beans (in can)
For Toppings:
- 32 oz Tater tots (frozen)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded, divided into ½)
Instructions:
Brown the Beef:
- Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Once heated, add the ground beef to the pot and use a spoon or spatula to break it up and begin browning it. Add the diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the pot and stir to combine. Frequently stir the mixture until the ground beef has browned, which should take about 5 minutes. After browning the beef, stir in the Worcestershire sauce to add extra flavor.
- After that, drain any excess grease if necessary, then transfer it to a mixing bowl. Instead of layering the ingredients traditionally, mix the cooked beef with two cans of soup, sour cream, vegetables, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mixing all ingredients helps distribute the flavors evenly and prevents the meat from drying, creating a flavorful mixture perfect for topping with Tater Tots. This makes a delicious base for the casserole.
- Mixing all ingredients helps distribute the flavors evenly and prevents the meat from drying, creating a flavorful mixture perfect for topping with Tater Tots. This makes a delicious base for the casserole.
Arrange the mixture into a baking dish:
- Pour the beef and soup mixture into a pre-greased baking dish and smooth it out into an even layer. Arrange the tater tots on top of the mixture in a single layer. The number of tater tots you use is up to you – I like to cover the entire surface of the casserole and distribute them evenly.
It's time to bake:
- Cook the tater tots casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for 50 minutes to achieve a hot, bubbly casserole with melted cheese and crispy, light brown tater tots. Though it may be tempting to use a higher cooking temperature, it is best to go lower and slower to ensure the best results.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. Place the casserole back in the oven and bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted. The results are a delicious tater tot casserole that everyone in the family will love!
Watch the Video:
Notes
Tips or variations for the recipe
Here are a few tips and variations that you might find helpful when making Tater Tot Casserole:- Add diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, ground beef, and vegetables to make the casserole even more flavorful. For added flavor, you can also sprinkle in some herbs or spices, such as minced garlic or Italian seasoning.
- For a crunchy, crispy topping, you can sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top of the Tater Tots before baking the casserole.
- If you want to add extra protein to the casserole, try mixing some diced cooked chicken or turkey with ground beef. You can also add in some crumbled bacon or sausage for added flavor.
- For a vegetarian version of Tater Tot Casserole, you can omit ground beef and use tofu or black beans as a protein source. Add extra vegetables, such as corn, diced tomatoes, or bell peppers, to make the casserole even more hearty and satisfying.
- To switch things up, you can use different types of frozen vegetables in the casserole, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or mixed vegetables. You can also use fresh vegetables; cook them until they are tender before adding them to the casserole.
Nutrition Information:
Please note that all nutrition information are just estimates. Values will vary among brands, so we encourage you to calculate these on your own for most accurate results.
