Description
Cheesy tater tot casserole brings comfort straight from midwest kitchens, combining hearty ground beef, zesty rotel tomatoes, and crispy potato nuggets. Hungry families will devour this satisfying one-pan meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound (16 ounces) Velveeta cheese (or any meltable cheese block)
Frozen Base:
- 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
Canned Ingredients:
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 375°F (190°C) for optimal cooking temperature.
- In a large skillet, thoroughly cook ground beef over medium heat until completely browned, ensuring no pink remains. Drain away excess fat.
- Cube the Velveeta cheese and introduce it into the cooked beef mixture. Add the entire Rotel tomatoes with their liquid, maintaining low heat. Stir continuously until cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, uniform sauce.
- Transfer the creamy beef and cheese mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly across the surface. Arrange a uniform layer of frozen tater tots directly on top of the mixture, covering the entire surface.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes. The tater tots should transform into a golden, crispy exterior while the underlying mixture becomes bubbly and heated through.
- For enhanced crispiness, activate the broiler and monitor closely for 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning, aiming for a deep golden-brown color on the tater tots.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes. This brief cooling period helps the dish set and prevents potential burns. Serve hot, scooping generous portions onto plates.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium Rotel and choosing a reduced-fat cheese alternative.
- Enhance flavor by adding diced onions, minced garlic, or bell peppers during the beef browning stage.
- Create a make-ahead meal by assembling the casserole and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, which allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 533 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 770 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg