If you are searching for the ultimate comfort food that brings together melty cheese, crispy tater tots, and hearty ground beef all wrapped in a flavorful, creamy sauce, look no further than this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with the most inviting aromas and guarantees smiles around the dinner table. Every bite is a perfect combination of textures and tastes—from the savory, spiced beef mixture to the golden, crunchy top layer of tots and cheese. This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but incredibly straightforward, making it a fantastic go-to dinner for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each one adding a unique touch that builds the layered flavors and textures of this casserole. From the seasoned beef and tangy Rotel tomatoes to the creamy soups and sharp cheddar cheese, every element plays a starring role in making this dish irresistibly delicious.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a rich, savory base and hearty texture to the casserole.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor once sautéed.
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained: Brings a zesty, mildly spicy kick and bright color.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup: Creates a creamy, comforting binder for all the ingredients.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Enhances creaminess with a slight tang, balancing out the spices.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Offers gooey, melty richness with sharp notes that perfectly complement the beef.
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots: The crispy, golden topping that adds texture and fun to every bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- Optional chopped green onions or parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of fresh color and mild oniony flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Skillet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures the casserole doesn’t stick and makes cleanup so much easier. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat to get ready for browning the beef and sautéing the onions.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Onion
Add the ground beef and diced onions to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until the meat is browned and the onions are soft—about 6 to 8 minutes. This step builds the savory backbone of the casserole. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep it from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Combine the Beef Mixture
Stir in the can of Rotel with its juices, the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. This creamy, cheesy mixture is what makes the Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel Recipe so comforting and flavorful.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the beef mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out smoothly. Then carefully arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top. This layer will crisp up in the oven, providing that irresistible crunch everyone loves.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Bake the casserole for 35 to 40 minutes until the tater tots turn a beautiful golden brown and become crisp. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese all over the top and return it to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to set perfectly.
How to Serve Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley adds a wonderful pop of color and a mild, fresh note that balances out the richness of the casserole. These garnishes not only brighten the dish but also give it that homemade, inviting look.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables adds freshness and crunch. Roasted broccoli, a simple Caesar salad, or even sautéed green beans make excellent sides that complement the cheesy and hearty flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the casserole family-style straight from the baking dish for cozy, casual gatherings. Alternatively, scoop individual portions onto plates and top each with an extra sprinkle of cheese or a dollop of sour cream for a fun twist. You could even add sliced avocado or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce on the side for a unique upgrade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover casserole in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy the Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel Recipe at a later time, it freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again, about 15 to 20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but the oven helps maintain that crispy tater tot topping we all love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for this recipe, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for some heat, or even a blend of cheeses to customize the flavor to your liking.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils, tofu crumbles, or your favorite meat substitute. The Rotel and cheese still provide plenty of flavor to keep the dish satisfying.
Can I add extra vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely. Diced bell peppers, corn, or even chopped spinach can be stirred into the beef mixture for added nutrients and color without compromising the texture.
What can I do to make it spicier?
Use hot Rotel instead of mild, add diced jalapeños, or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or chili powder when seasoning for a nice spicy kick.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe typically yields 6 hearty servings, perfect for a family meal or for sharing with friends.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel Recipe enough—it’s warm, comforting, and downright addictive. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight meal or a casual get-together, this casserole delivers that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crispy that everyone loves. Go ahead and give it a try; your taste buds will thank you, and it’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation.
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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
Description
This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole combines savory ground beef, zesty Rotel tomatoes, creamy mushroom soup, and melty cheddar cheese baked to golden perfection with crispy tater tots on top. It’s a comforting, kid-friendly American classic perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Cook Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is well browned and the onions have softened, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir the Rotel tomatoes (including juice), condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the cooked beef and onions. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Then arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture.
- Bake Initial Layer: Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add Cheese Topping and Finish Baking: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hot tater tots. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest a few minutes out of the oven before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired for a fresh touch.
Notes
- For a spicier casserole, use hot Rotel tomatoes or add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- To vary the flavor, substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cheddar cheese soup.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after cooking the beef to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking for convenience.
