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Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel

  • Author: ChefEmma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel is a hearty, family-friendly dish made with crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and zesty tomatoes with green chilies. It’s the ultimate comfort food for weeknight dinners or potlucks.


Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), drained
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 (28 oz) bag frozen tater tots
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning beef)


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil (if using), then cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
  3. Stir in Rotel, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  5. Top with a single layer of frozen tater tots.
  6. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until tots are golden and crispy.
  7. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top and bake an additional 5 minutes, or until melted.
  8. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • You can swap cream of mushroom for cream of chicken or cheddar soup for variation.
  • Add a can of corn or black beans for extra texture and flavor.
  • Make ahead and refrigerate before baking for easy meal prep.