Recipe: Tater Tot Casserole

This yummy casserole has become a family staple. All of my kids will eat it, it is very affordable, healthy, and it makes enough for a meal for all 5 of us plus lunch for Brad the next day! This is also one of those "method recipes." Once you get the method of this down you can switch it up anyway you want!

 Tater Tot Casserole

4 cups frozen Tater Tots
1 pound ground beef
1 package (16 ounces) frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of broccoli soup, undiluted
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 can (2.8 ounces) french-fried onions, divided 
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, divided 
1/3 cup 2% milk
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon pepper

 

Place Tater Tots in an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 10 minutes.

 

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the broccoli, soup, 3/4 cup french-fried onions, 1/2 cup cheese, milk, garlic powder and pepper; heat through. Pour over Tater Tots, then top with tomato. (I only put tomato on part because I have a child with a tomato allergy.)

Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining onions and cheese. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Like I said, this is one of those method recipes. You can switch it up anyway you like! You can switch out the veggie, the soup, the meat, anything! Sometimes I use ground turkey instead of ground beef, or mixed veggies instead of the broccoli. Next time I think I'm going to try using my homemade hashbrowns instead of the tater tots. The possibilities are endless! Enjoy!!