Get ready to meet your new weeknight dinner hero: Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel! This comforting classic takes everything you love — crispy, golden tater tots, savory ground beef, plenty of gooey cheddar, and a pop of zesty Rotel tomatoes — and brings them together in one irresistible, bubbling-hot bake. Every bite offers layer upon layer of texture and bold flavor, making it both a family-pleasing favorite and an absolute crowd-pleaser at potlucks. Trust me, you’ll want to serve this up on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel is how it transforms just a handful of everyday ingredients into something truly crave-worthy! Each component is chosen for its unique role in building creamy, crunchy, and cheesy perfection.
- Ground Beef: Use lean or regular ground beef for a hearty, flavorful base that soaks up all the saucy goodness.
- Onion (diced): Sweetens and deepens the flavor of the casserole — a must for savoriness.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle but essential aroma that balances out the rich, cheesy layers.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering; season to taste.
- Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chilies: These bring a gentle kick and lots of color; don’t drain the can!
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Binds everything together in a luscious, creamy sauce (use gluten-free if needed).
- Cheddar Cheese (shredded): Divided between the filling and topping for that signature melt-in-your-mouth factor.
- Frozen Tater Tots: The crowning glory; bake up golden and irresistibly crispy on top.
How to Make Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil, butter, or nonstick spray. This simple step keeps your casserole from sticking and makes serving — and cleanup — an absolute breeze.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is nicely browned and the onion is soft and translucent, stirring occasionally. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat for a lighter, less greasy casserole.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Flavor
Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then pour in the entire can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (juice and all), plus the cream of mushroom soup. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so all the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Layer the Filling
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until perfectly melted and incorporated. Spread this savory, creamy beef mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Top with Tater Tots and Bake
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the beef mixture. Pop the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until those tater tots are bubbling and gloriously golden.
Step 6: Add More Cheese and Finish Baking
Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese over the hot casserole. Slide it back into the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible blanket. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing — patience pays off here!
How to Serve Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel
Garnishes
Top each portion of Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel with a handful of sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, or diced jalapeños for a pop of freshness and color. For extra indulgence, a dollop of sour cream works beautifully.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or simple buttered corn. These light, fresh sides balance out the richness of the casserole and add a bit of color to your dinner spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel in mini cast iron skillets for rustic charm, or portion it into ramekins for a dinner party twist. Need a portable option? Spoon it into thermoses for game day or picnics!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers of Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making lunches or future dinners just as delicious!
Freezing
Cool the casserole completely, then wrap tightly with foil or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the oven at 350°F until browned and hot throughout, or microwave individual servings for quick meals on the go. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese before reheating for a fresh-melted topping!
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything (except for the final cheese layer), cover tightly, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the last cup of cheese just before baking for that perfect melted finish.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or ground chicken both work really well and lighten up the casserole. You can even use plant-based grounds if you want a vegetarian-friendly version!
Is this casserole gluten-free?
It can be! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and tater tots. Most other ingredients in Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add extra veggies?
Definitely! Stir in a can of drained corn, black beans, or even chopped bell peppers to sneak in more color and nutrition. The recipe is super flexible.
How do I get extra-crispy tater tots?
For an extra-crisp topping, you can bake the tater tots for 10 minutes on a sheet pan before adding to the casserole. This little trick ensures they stay crunchy, even under the cheesy top.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re inspired to dive into the cozy, crave-worthy deliciousness of Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel! Give it a try, share it with your favorite people, and watch as it quickly becomes a staple at your table. Happy casserole baking!
Print
Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel is a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for a family dinner. Layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots make for a deliciously indulgent meal.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Tater Tot Layer:
- 1 (28-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Beef: Brown ground beef and onion in a skillet, drain fat, then add seasonings, Rotel, and soup. Stir in 1 cup of cheese.
- Layer and Bake: Spread beef mixture in the dish, top with tater tots, and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden. Sprinkle remaining cheese and bake until melted.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Enhance with drained corn or black beans for extra flavor.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for beef.
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