If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel is an all-star winner. Perfectly seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, tangy Rotel tomatoes, and a generous layer of melty cheese all tucked under a golden topping of crispy tater tots—this dish is as satisfying as it gets! Each bite brings together bold flavors and nostalgic textures, making this casserole a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing favorite for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want something irresistibly cheesy and hearty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple, but every ingredient earns its place by bringing something special to the table—whether it’s flavor, texture, or a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single one!
- Ground Beef: Brings savory, meaty richness as the base of your casserole—it’s the heart of the dish!
- Small Onion, Diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth, blending perfectly with the beef.
- Garlic, Minced: Offers an aromatic kick that makes everything feel homemade.
- Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (drained): Delivers tang, color, and just the right touch of chili warmth—you won’t want to leave it out.
- Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a creamy, comforting sauce that ties all the ingredients together in cozy harmony.
- Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and a smooth, velvety texture to the filling.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided: Melts into gooey bliss in every layer and on top for the ultimate cheesy finish.
- Frozen Tater Tots: A crispy, golden crown that transforms every serving into a joyful bite—even picky eaters can’t resist!
- Salt & Black Pepper: These two classic seasonings sharpen and brighten the flavors throughout the casserole.
- Chopped Green Onions or Parsley (optional): Lends a fresh, colorful flourish that makes the finished dish extra inviting.
How to Make Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel
Step 1: Brown the Beef with Aromatics
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic. You’ll want to let them sizzle together for about 6–8 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. This step is crucial—the onions and garlic release their sweetness and deepen the flavor, making your Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel taste truly homemade. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from getting soggy.
Step 2: Mix in the Flavor Boosters
With your beef mixture cooked and drained, it’s time to amp up the deliciousness! Stir in the drained Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until it’s creamy and evenly combined. This lush, savory base anchors the Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel with tons of robust flavors and just the right amount of heat.
Step 3: Layer and Top with Tater Tots
Spread the prepared beef mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Now, the fun part—arrange your frozen tater tots in a single, even layer right on top of the filling. Lining them up in neat rows gives that classic look, while making sure every bite gets a crispy tot topping. Don’t be shy—the more tater tots, the merrier!
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Place your assembled casserole in the oven (uncovered) and bake for 35–40 minutes. You’re looking for perfectly golden, super-crispy tater tots that promise crunch in every forkful. This step transforms the top layer, making the Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel so satisfying.
Step 5: Finish with Extra Cheese and Garnish
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Return it to the oven for just 5 minutes, letting the cheese melt into a bubbling, golden blanket. Finish it off by garnishing with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh burst of flavor and some eye-catching color.
How to Serve Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel
Garnishes
A scattering of sliced green onions or parsley not only adds bright color but also a burst of freshness that balances the rich, cheesy flavors. You could even sprinkle on some diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, or a few sliced jalapeños for an extra pop!
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs perfectly with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or sweet corn to round things out. For special occasions, consider serving it alongside coleslaw or buttery green beans to complement all that cheesy, beefy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Amp up your next gathering by serving Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel in individual ramekins for a personal touch! For a southwestern twist, top with fresh avocado slices or zesty salsa. Or cut the casserole into squares and serve as a fun, shareable appetizer at parties—no utensils necessary!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel make for one of the happiest discoveries in the fridge! Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days, and enjoy how the flavors meld overnight.
Freezing
This casserole is wonderfully freezer-friendly. Once baked and cooled, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or divide into individual portions before freezing. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months—label and date your package for best results. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover casserole in a preheated 350°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through—usually about 20–25 minutes. For single servings, a microwave on medium heat works well, but uncovered, oven reheating keeps those tater tots crispy!
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?
Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken work beautifully here. They lighten up the dish a bit and let the flavors of the cheddar and Rotel shine. Just make sure to season generously since poultry can be milder in flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have Rotel?
No Rotel on hand? Try using a can of diced tomatoes mixed with a small can of chopped green chilies or a dash of hot sauce. It’ll still give you that tangy, zesty kick characteristic of the original Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free condensed cream of mushroom soup—almost all the other ingredients are naturally gluten-friendly. Check your tater tots as well, just to make sure there aren’t any hidden gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I add more veggies?
Definitely! Frozen corn, peas, bell peppers, or even mushrooms blend deliciously with the beef mixture. Just stir them in before transferring everything to the baking dish, and you’ve added color, flavor, and extra nutrition.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes—you can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it for up to a day in advance. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if you’re starting from cold.
Final Thoughts
If ever there was a delicious excuse to gather everyone around the dinner table, the Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel is it. It’s easy, comforting, and always a guaranteed hit. Give it a try soon—you might just find it becomes your new go-to for any night that calls for something warm, cheesy, and full of joy!
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Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delicious Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole featuring savory ground beef, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and a creamy, cheesy topping. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck favorite.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned.
- Combine ingredients: Mix in Rotel, mushroom soup, sour cream, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of cheese.
- Layer and bake: Spread the beef mixture in a baking dish, top with tater tots, bake for 35–40 minutes.
- Final cheese layer: Sprinkle remaining cheese, bake for 5 more minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with green onions or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Enhance the flavor with pepper jack cheese or hot sauce.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
