If you are craving a hearty, comforting dish that brings together classic American flavors with a spicy twist, this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel Recipe will quickly become your go-to for family dinners or potlucks. This casserole combines juicy browned ground beef, the zesty kick of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, and the crispy, golden perfection of tater tots all smothered in melty cheddar cheese. Every bite delivers a warm hug of cheesy goodness and satisfying textures that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this casserole lies in its simple, yet essential ingredients that balance flavor, texture, and color perfectly. Each item plays a key role, from the savory ground beef to the creamy mushroom soup, and the crunchy tater tots that crown this dish.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base full of protein and flavor.
- 1 small onion (diced): Adds sweetness and a hint of aromatic depth when cooked.
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained): Brings a spicy, tangy kick that lifts the whole casserole.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: Creates a creamy, comforting binder that melds all ingredients.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and luscious creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances savory notes with mild, fragrant garlic flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Offers just enough heat to balance richness.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Essential for that gooey, cheesy melty goodness, split to mix and top.
- 1 (28–32 oz) bag frozen tater tots: The crispy, golden topping that seals the deal with satisfying crunch.
How to Make Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the ground beef along with the diced onion. Cook until the beef is nicely browned and juicy and the onions are translucent and soft. This step builds the savory foundation of your casserole as the beef renders flavor and the onions add a gentle sweetness.
Step 2: Combine the Creamy Ingredients with Beef
Drain any excess grease from the skillet, then stir in the drained Rotel tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so the beef is enveloped in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Stir in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese to start infusing the dish with melty, cheesy richness.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the beef mixture evenly across the bottom. Next, carefully arrange a single layer of tater tots on top. The tots add a crispy, golden crunchy contrast to the creamy beef mixture beneath, making every bite exciting.
Step 4: Add the Cheesy Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese generously over the tater tots. Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. Once the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the tater tots have turned beautifully golden brown, your casserole is ready to come out and cool for five minutes before serving.
How to Serve Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can lift this cozy casserole to another level. Try sprinkling chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top right before serving to add a burst of color and a fresh bite that cuts through the richness. A dollop of sour cream or a few slices of avocado also complement the creaminess perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel Recipe shines as a complete meal, but pairing it with some crisp side dishes balances out the flavors beautifully. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon add brightness. Roasted vegetables or corn on the cob work wonderfully as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual dinners or potlucks, try serving this casserole family-style straight from the dish. For a fun twist, spoon portions into mini casserole dishes or ramekins for individual servings. You could also stir in cooked bacon bits or diced jalapeños just before baking to add unexpected flavors and textures that will delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The casserole flavors meld even more after resting, making it ideal for next-day enjoyment.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap the entire baking dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap or freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply move it to the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel Recipe in a preheated 350°F oven until warmed through, usually about 20-25 minutes. For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions but be aware the tater tots may lose some crispness.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar provides a classic sharpness and melt, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a spicy Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. Just keep the same seasonings and Rotel to keep the delicious flavor intact.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Definitely! Just be sure to check that your cream of mushroom soup and Rotel tomatoes are labeled gluten-free, as some brands may include gluten-containing ingredients.
How spicy is the casserole with Rotel?
The Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies add a mild to moderate spicy kick, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat without overwhelming the dish. You can always adjust by adding more or less green chilies or choosing mild Rotel.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake later?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole entirely, cover it well, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Final Thoughts
If you want a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing meal that perfectly blends cheesy goodness, hearty ground beef, and the irresistible crunch of tater tots with a spicy twist, this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel Recipe is your answer. It’s simple to make, endlessly comforting, and totally satisfying. Grab your ingredients, bake up a pan, and watch it disappear at the table—it’s a recipe you’ll be thrilled to share again and again.
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Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel is a comforting and hearty American classic featuring seasoned ground beef combined with diced tomatoes and creamy soup, layered with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick family dinner, this dish offers a delicious blend of savory flavors and textures that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
Dairy and Pantry
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (28–32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole.
- Cook the beef and onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is fully browned and cooked through, then drain off any excess grease for a cleaner dish.
- Mix in flavorings: Stir the drained Rotel tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and black pepper into the cooked beef and onion mixture until everything is well combined.
- Add cheese: Incorporate 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the beef mixture for a cheesy, creamy texture inside the casserole.
- Prepare the baking dish: Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a solid bottom layer.
- Layer tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture to form the crispy topping.
- Add remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots for a melty golden crust.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the tater tots are golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix in chopped green chilies or cooked bacon into the beef mixture before layering.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup according to your preference.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables to complete the meal and add freshness.
