If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that brings both nostalgia and excitement to the table, look no further than Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel. This crowd-pleasing dish packs layers of crispy tater tots, melty cheddar cheese, and savory ground beef blended with tangy Rotel tomatoes and chilies—a flavor combination that hits every craving. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or hosting friends for a cozy potluck, this casserole delivers hearty satisfaction and plenty of leftovers for late-night snacking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel comes from its simple, no-fuss ingredients, each playing a role in delivering incredible taste, creaminess, and crunch. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter:
- Ground beef (1 pound): Provides a rich, meaty foundation and brings protein and heartiness to every bite.
- Small onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spicy tomatoes and savory beef.
- Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (10 oz can): The secret weapon for tangy, zesty flavor with just enough kick.
- Cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz can): Gives the casserole its creamy body and ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds a luscious tang and helps keep the filling ultra-creamy without being too heavy.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Brings out the savoriness in both the beef and the creamy mixture.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Wakes up the flavors with a gentle warmth.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): The melty, gooey glue that crowns the casserole and blankets the beef mixture.
- Frozen tater tots (32 oz bag): The crunchy, golden topping that makes this dish a true comfort classic.
How to Make Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to bring your casserole to life. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of cooking spray or butter to make cleanup a breeze and prevent any sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef and chopped onion. Sauté them together, breaking up the beef, until it’s browned and the onions are transparent—this should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease for a less oily casserole.
Step 3: Stir in the Creamy Goodness
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Rotel (with all its juices), cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and black pepper. Let it all meld as you sprinkle in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, mixing until fully combined and delightfully creamy. This saucy base is where the Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel starts to get really exciting!
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the beef and cheese mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out so every inch is covered. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer across the top, making sure they fit snugly for even crisping. Finish with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, blanketing the tots for that irresistible cheesy crust.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. The tater tots will turn golden and crispy, the cheese will bubble and brown, and the whole house will fill with a mouthwatering aroma. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes out of the oven before digging in—this helps everything set up perfectly for serving.
How to Serve Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh green onions or chopped parsley on top just before serving instantly brightens the dish and adds a fresh pop of color. For fans of heat, sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce make fantastic finishing touches to your Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel.
Side Dishes
Balance out the hearty richness with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette or a batch of steamed green beans. Buttery corn on the cob or a colorful fruit salad also make tasty sidekicks for this comforting main course.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets for a fun, restaurant-style twist, or dish up family-style in big, scooped servings. For gatherings, offer toppings like diced avocado, sour cream, or pickled jalapeños and let everyone build their favorite version of Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Transfer cooled casserole into an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap for a quick grab-and-go lunch the next day.
Freezing
If you’re looking to stock your freezer with comfort food, this casserole is a winner. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap the dish in several layers of foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Individual portions can also be frozen in airtight containers—perfect for quick weeknight dinners straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and bubbling, about 25 minutes. For a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, but the tater tots will be softer—still delicious, just less crunchy!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken work well and make the casserole a bit lighter. If you use a leaner meat, you might want to add a splash of olive oil to the skillet to keep everything juicy.
What if I don’t have Rotel?
You can substitute with a can of diced tomatoes and a small can of chopped green chilies. The flavor will be similar, though you can adjust the chilies to your spice preference.
How do I make Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel spicier?
Swap in hot Rotel, add a pinch of cayenne, or layer on sliced jalapeños before baking. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes right into the beef mixture for an extra kick.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, bring it out about 30 minutes ahead to take the chill off and then bake as directed. This makes Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Is there a gluten-free option?
If you use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and confirm your tater tots are gluten-free, the rest of the ingredients are naturally safe. Always double-check labels if you’re cooking for someone with celiac or gluten sensitivity.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something heartwarming about digging into a bubbling, cheesy casserole with family and friends gathered around the table. Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel is one of those dishes that invites smiles and second helpings. I hope you give it a try soon and make some delicious memories—happy cooking!
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Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck. Layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, gooey cheese, and crispy tater tots come together in this easy-to-make casserole.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Additional:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in Rotel, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix in 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Assemble: Spread the beef mixture in the baking dish, top with tater tots, and sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- You can use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom for variation.
- For spicier flavor, opt for hot Rotel or add cayenne pepper to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
