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Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that has become a staple in American cuisine, particularly in the Midwest. This casserole combines ground meat, typically beef or turkey, with a creamy sauce made from soup, such as cream of mushroom or cream of chicken. Vegetables like green beans, corn, or peas are often added to enhance its nutritional value and flavor. The entire mixture is then topped with a generous layer of crispy tater tots, which bake to a golden brown, providing a satisfying crunch.
The origins of Tater Tot Casserole can be traced back to the mid-20th century, coinciding with the rise of convenience foods and casseroles in American households. Its popularity can be attributed to its simplicity, versatility, and the comforting nature of the dish. Tater Tot Casserole is a favorite for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings due to its ease of preparation and ability to feed a crowd. Over the years, numerous variations of the recipe have emerged, allowing cooks to tailor the dish to their tastes and preferences.
Ingredients
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1 ½ pounds ground beef
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1 cup diced onion
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1 pinch garlic powder, or to taste
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1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
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1 (26.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
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1 (16 ounce) package frozen bite-size potato nuggets (such as Tater Tots®)
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2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
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1 pinch paprika, or to taste
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1 pinch dried parsley flakes, or to taste
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook and stir ground beef, onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a skillet over medium heat until beef is browned and crumbly, 7 to 10 minutes. Spread beef into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
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Stir cream of mushroom soup, potato nuggets, and Cheddar cheese together in a large bowl until potato nuggets are evenly coated in soup and cheese. Spread potato nugget mixture over beef mixture.
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Bake in the preheated oven until browned, about 45 minutes. Sprinkle paprika and parsley flakes over the top.