There is nothing quite like a comforting, hearty casserole that brings together bold flavors and irresistible textures, and that is exactly what you get with this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel Recipe. Packed with savory ground beef, the slight kick of Rotel’s diced tomatoes with green chilies, and crowned with crispy, golden tater tots smothered in gooey melted cheddar cheese, this dish promises pure satisfaction in every bite. It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers when you want something that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple everyday staples, but together they create a symphony of flavors that give this casserole its charming character. Each element adds essential taste, texture, or color, making this dish both delicious and visually inviting.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein base that provides rich, savory flavor and satisfying texture.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to complement the beef perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth that elevates the entire casserole.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Gives a gentle smoky spice for a touch of excitement.
- 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained: Provides juicy tanginess and a mild spicy kick that brightens the dish.
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup: Adds creamy richness and binds all the ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Offers a luscious tang that balances the savory components.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Delivers the signature cheesy gooeyness that makes this casserole irresistible.
- 1 bag frozen tater tots (about 32 ounces): The crispy, golden topping every casserole dreams of.
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions for garnish: A fresh, colorful finishing touch with subtle bite.
How to Make Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart as it cooks until it’s browned to perfection. This step builds the foundation of deep, flavorful goodness, so be sure to let it develop some nice color. Once browned, carefully drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
To that same skillet, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook them together for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent, releasing their natural sweetness. This layer adds an irresistible aroma that will fill your kitchen and promise great things to come.
Step 3: Season and Combine the Beef Mixture
Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and chili powder to season the beef and onion mixture evenly. Stir well so every bite will be perfectly seasoned. Next, fold in the drained Rotel, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream. These creamy, tangy ingredients meld with the meat to make a rich, cohesive filling. After mixing, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt into the mixture for that luscious cheesy boost.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a level base that will support a crispy tater tot blanket. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top, making sure they’re touching so they cook uniformly. This contrast between the creamy beef layer and crispy potatoes is what makes this recipe so memorable.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Place the casserole in your preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye out for those tater tots to turn a beautiful golden brown and become irresistibly crispy. Once this happens, remove the dish briefly and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Pop it back into the oven for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, cheesy crown.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
After baking, allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps everything settle and makes it easier to serve. Finally, sprinkle the chopped green onions across the top for a fresh pop of color and a subtle oniony crunch that rounds out the dish perfectly.
How to Serve Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel Recipe
Garnishes
While the chopped green onions provide a fantastic finish, feel free to add a dollop of sour cream or a handful of fresh cilantro for extra brightness. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also heat things up beautifully for those who love a bit of spice. These simple touches make the casserole feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This casserole is wonderfully filling on its own, but pairing it with crisp, fresh sides never hurts. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli creates a lovely balance of fresh and hearty. For a southern twist, coleslaw adds a cool crunch that complements the casserole’s warmth and creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a potluck or family gathering, serve this casserole in mini cast iron skillets for individual portions that wow guests. Another fun idea is to turn leftovers into loaded tostadas by spooning reheated casserole over crispy tortillas and topping with avocado slices and salsa. The possibilities are deliciously endless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld overnight, making leftovers taste even better than the first serving.
Freezing
This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel Recipe freezes beautifully before baking. Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as usual, adding extra time if still partially frozen.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 to 25 minutes. For a crispy top, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of reheating. You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven method preserves that lovely tater tot crunch best.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is classic for this casserole’s flavor and meltiness, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for extra heat, or a blend of cheeses to suit your taste.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes, you can easily swap the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or a hearty mix of cooked lentils and sautéed mushrooms. The rest of the ingredients remain the same to keep the creamy, cheesy goodness intact.
Can I make this casserole spicy?
Definitely! Use the hot Rotel variety or add spices like cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. You can control the heat level according to your preference.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re not a fan of mushroom flavor, cream of chicken or cream of celery soups make excellent alternatives that maintain the casserole’s creamy texture and delicious taste.
How do I prevent the tater tots from getting soggy?
Using frozen tater tots directly from the freezer and arranging them in a single layer on top helps them crisp nicely. Avoid stirring the casserole after baking so the crispy top stays intact.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel Recipe has become a beloved comfort food classic: it’s simple to prepare, packed with soulful flavors, and satisfies every craving for warm, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re feeding your family or treating friends, this casserole will quickly become a go-to favorite. So don’t hesitate, gather these humble ingredients and enjoy the unbeatable joy this dish brings to your table!
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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: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and cheesy tater tot casserole featuring ground beef and Rotel tomatoes with green chiles. This hearty American classic is layered with a creamy beef mixture, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Topping
- 1 bag frozen tater tots (about 32 ounces)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Season and mix: Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Stir in the drained Rotel tomatoes, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream until thoroughly combined.
- Add cheese to beef mixture: Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly into the beef mixture.
- Assemble casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
- Add remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole and return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese has melted.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- For extra heat, use hot Rotel tomatoes or add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup in place of cream of mushroom if desired.
- This casserole freezes well before baking—freeze assembled casserole and bake when ready to enjoy.
