If you’re craving a dish that brings comfort food and bold Creole flavors together in one irresistible package, then the Kickin’ Creole Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. This casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and delightfully spicy meal that layers seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, pepper jack cheese, and those golden crispy tater tots that everyone loves. It’s the kind of dish that promises warm, satisfying bites with a little kick, perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something special. Trust me, once you try this Kickin’ Creole Tater Tot Casserole Recipe, it’ll hold a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Kickin’ Creole Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each component brings something special to the table—from the spicy Creole seasoning that packs a punch to the creamy soup that ties everything together perfectly. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- 1 pound ground chuck: Use good-quality beef for rich flavor and perfect meatiness.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the meat.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: A touch of tangy sweetness that balances the spices.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Provides umami and enhances savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning, plus more for topping: The star seasoning that brings authentic Creole heat and flavor.
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup: Creates a creamy, cozy base for the casserole.
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained: Adds a zesty tomato kick and a hint of chili heat.
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese: Melts into spicy, gooey goodness atop the beef mixture.
- 3 to 4 cups frozen onion tater tots: The crispy, crunchy topping that makes this casserole truly satisfying.
How to Make Kickin’ Creole Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onion
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray so the casserole won’t stick and will come out cleanly. Then, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground chuck along with the chopped onion until the meat is nicely browned and the onion is softened. Don’t forget to drain the excess fat, which keeps the recipe hearty but not greasy.
Step 2: Create the Flavorful Base
Lower the heat to medium-low and return the skillet with the meat. Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, a teaspoon of Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning for that signature Creole bite, the cream of mushroom soup, and the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Mix it all well and let it cook through until warm and bubbly. This mixture is where all the soul of the casserole builds.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Next, spread the savory meat mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded pepper jack cheese generously on top—the cheese not only melts perfectly but also adds a spicy, creamy layer that melts in your mouth.
Step 4: Add the Tater Tots and Bake
Now, cover everything with a lovely layer of frozen onion tater tots. For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle a little more Tony Chachere’s seasoning on top of the tots before baking. Pop the casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the tater tots turn golden brown and the casserole is heated through. If you prefer a crispier top, a few minutes under the broiler will do the job.
How to Serve Kickin’ Creole Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Bring your casserole to life with fresh garnishes. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley adds color and a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, spicy layers. A dollop of sour cream or a handful of sliced jalapeños can also amp up the creaminess or heat, depending on your mood!
Side Dishes
This casserole stands up beautifully alongside crisp salads or steamed veggies that can lighten the meal. Consider a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or roasted broccoli for a well-rounded dinner. Cornbread on the side also makes a fantastic southern-style companion to sop up any savory sauce from the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Kickin’ Creole Tater Tot Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a fun and fancy presentation, perfect for dinner parties. Or, scoop it into bowls alongside a generous handful of toppings so everyone can customize their bites. It’s a family-friendly, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Kickin’ Creole Tater Tot Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy the comforting flavors all over again without extra prep.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well, making it perfect to prep ahead for busy nights. Freeze in a sealed container or foil-covered dish for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy it, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results, about 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as reheating in the oven helps keep the tater tots crisp and the cheese melty and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works nicely as a leaner option. Just be mindful to brown it well to get good flavor, and you might want to add a touch more seasoning to keep that Kickin’ Creole flavor vibrant.
What if I don’t have Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning?
You can substitute with a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano to mimic the Creole punch. However, Tony Chachere’s really captures the authentic taste that makes this dish special.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the ground chuck for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth or vegetarian mushroom soup. The diced tomatoes and spices will still deliver that Creole spirit.
How spicy is this casserole?
It has a mild to medium kick from the Creole seasoning and pepper jack cheese. You can adjust the seasoning to your liking—add extra Tony Chachere’s or more chilies if you love heat, or reduce it for a gentler spice.
Can I prepare this in advance and bake later?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so satisfying about the Kickin’ Creole Tater Tot Casserole Recipe that makes it a true standout in any weeknight lineup. It’s hearty, cheesy, and bursting with Creole flavor that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night at home, this dish delivers every time. So grab those ingredients and dive into this deliciously comforting casserole—you’re going to love every bite!
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Kickin’ Creole Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Creole
Description
Kickin’ Creole Tater Tot Casserole is a flavorful and comforting one-dish meal featuring seasoned ground chuck mixed with onion, Creole spices, mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and topped with crispy tater tots and melted pepper jack cheese. This easy-to-make casserole combines bold Creole flavors with creamy and cheesy textures, baked to golden perfection, making it a perfect family dinner.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground chuck
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning, plus more for topping
Other Ingredients
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 3 to 4 cups frozen onion tater tots
Instructions
- Prepare and brown meat: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground chuck and chopped onion together, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Once browned and the onions are translucent, drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
- Combine seasonings and heat through: Return the drained meat and onions to low heat in the skillet. Add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning, cream of mushroom soup, and the drained diced tomatoes and green chilies. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is heated through. Then spread this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded pepper jack cheese evenly over the top of the meat mixture.
- Add tater tots and season: Cover the top of the casserole evenly with the frozen onion tater tots. To add an extra kick of Creole flavor, sprinkle a little more Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning over the top of the tater tots.
- Bake until golden and heated through: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are browned, crispy on the edges, and the casserole is heated through. If you prefer crispier tots, you can finish it off with a few minutes under the broiler—just keep a close watch to prevent burning. Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving.
Notes
- Use ground chuck for the best flavor and fat content, but lean ground beef can be substituted for a lower-fat option.
- If you like more heat, add extra Tony Chachere’s seasoning or include chopped jalapeños.
- The casserole can be assembled in advance and refrigerated before baking; add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free and verify that all processed ingredients meet gluten-free standards.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
