Victory’s Tater Tot Casserole

Victory’s Tater Tot Casserole is a delightful and hearty dish that combines ground beef, taco seasoning, corn, nacho cheese soup, and crispy tater tots, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 1 packet Taco Seasoning
• 1 can Corn, drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) Nacho Cheese Soup
• 1 bag Frozen Tater Tots
• 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Drain the Fat: Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Add Taco Seasoning: Return the beef to the skillet and add the taco seasoning. Follow the packet instructions, usually adding about 2/3 cup of water. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

1. Mix in Corn and Soup: Add the drained corn and the nacho cheese soup to the skillet with the seasoned beef. Stir until everything is well combined.
2. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the beef mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 3: Add Tater Tots

1. Arrange Tater Tots: Open the bag of frozen tater tots and arrange them in a single layer over the beef mixture in the casserole dish.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Add Cheese

1. Top with Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the tater tots.
2. Bake Again: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

1. Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Tips for Perfect Tater Tot Casserole:

• Ground Beef: For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Taco Seasoning: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your taste. For a spicier casserole, you can add a bit of cayenne pepper or use a spicy taco seasoning mix.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as diced bell peppers, onions, or black beans for added texture and flavor.
• Cheese: Use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile.
• Crispy Tater Tots: For extra crispy tater tots, you can bake them separately on a baking sheet for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole.

Variations:

• Breakfast Version: Use breakfast sausage instead of ground beef, add scrambled eggs, and top with shredded hash browns instead of tater tots.
• Chili Tater Tot Casserole: Replace the ground beef mixture with chili (homemade or canned) for a chili-topped version.
• BBQ Tater Tot Casserole: Use BBQ sauce in place of taco seasoning and nacho cheese soup for a sweet and tangy twist.

Victory’s Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that is sure to please everyone at the dinner table. The combination of seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, creamy nacho cheese soup, crispy tater tots, and gooey melted cheddar cheese creates a hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Enjoy this delicious comfort food and happy cooking!