Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel. This casserole layers perfectly seasoned ground beef and tender onions with the zesty kick of Rotel, all melded together beneath a golden crown of crispy tater tots and gooey cheddar cheese. It’s hearty, satisfying, and brings a touch of spice to the familiar flavors we all crave. Whether you’re prepping a cozy weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd at a potluck, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together easily and makes everyone at the table smile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients are the stars of this show, but each one brings something essential to the overall flavor, texture, or irresistible cheesy goodness. Gather these staples and let them work their magic in your Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel!
- Ground beef (1 lb): The heart of the casserole, providing savory, meaty richness and satisfying protein.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor, melding beautifully with the savory beef.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Brings out the savory notes and adds a subtle punch without overpowering.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for brightening and balancing the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and complexity to every bite.
- Rotel (1 10-oz can, diced tomatoes with green chilies): Infuses the casserole with zesty tomato flavor and a very welcomed hint of chili spice.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 10.5-oz can): Lends creaminess and ties the beef mixture together for that classic casserole texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): Melts to oozy, golden perfection and brings that irresistible cheesy top layer.
- Frozen tater tots (1 32-oz bag): Deliver a fun, crispy texture and soak up that cheesy, savory goodness underneath.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Keeps everything from sticking so you get perfect slices every time.
How to Make Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a generous mist of nonstick cooking spray—this not only keeps your casserole from sticking but also makes serving those perfect slices a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the ground beef and finely chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat to keep your Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel from feeling greasy and heavy.
Step 3: Season and Add Rotel & Soup
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so your seasonings are evenly distributed. Pour in the Rotel (with its yummy juices) and the cream of mushroom soup. Mix until you have a rich, creamy, flavor-packed mixture.
Step 4: Add Cheese to the Filling
Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese right into your beef mixture. This means every scoop is extra cheesy, and it helps this filling stay moist and comforting while baking.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the savory beef mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top this with a single, even layer of frozen tater tots. Arrange them neatly for the ultimate crispy finish!
Step 6: Top with More Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese all over the tater tots. This will bubble up and turn gold as it bakes, making your Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel extra tempting.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until the tater tots are crisped to perfection and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving—this helps it set and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel
Garnishes
Take your casserole to the next level with a handful of fresh garnishes. Sprinkle chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or diced jalapenos over each serving for a pop of color and a burst of extra flavor. A dollop of sour cream is also the perfect finishing touch for those who crave creaminess with a little tang.
Side Dishes
Pair Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel with simple sides that keep things fresh and vibrant. A crisp green salad, sautéed green beans, or steamed broccoli all offer a great contrast to the richness of the casserole. Some buttered corn or a platter of juicy tomato slices can round out your meal deliciously.
Creative Ways to Present
This casserole isn’t just for the family table! For parties or gatherings, try baking it in mini ramekins for personalized servings. You can also scoop leftovers into taco shells, stuff them into baked potatoes, or even serve on slider buns—let your creativity shine and enjoy this classic in new ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers (which is rare in our house!), simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container. The casserole will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, staying just as cheesy and delicious when reheated.
Freezing
Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel freezes beautifully! Assemble the casserole (but don’t bake), cover tightly with a double layer of foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To cook from frozen, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, pop leftovers in the microwave until hot, or for best results, warm them in a 350°F oven, uncovered, until heated through and the tater tots are re-crisped. Individual portions reheat nicely in the air fryer as well, giving you back that irresistible crunch.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic lean alternative and works just as well in this recipe. You might want to add an extra pinch of seasoning, since turkey is milder, but the flavors will still shine through.
Is there a good dairy-free substitute for the cheese and soup?
You can find dairy-free shredded cheese and use a dairy-free cream of mushroom (or even a homemade cashew-based sauce) to make this recipe completely dairy-free. The result is a still-ooey-gooey Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel that’s perfect for everyone.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Just double-check that your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free (many brands offer this), and that your tater tots and seasonings are as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What if I want the casserole spicier?
If you love heat, opt for the hot variety of Rotel, or stir in some diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce with the beef mixture. You can even sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the top for an extra kick!
Can I assemble this the night before and bake later?
Definitely! Prepare the Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel as directed (right up to the baking step), cover, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, simply uncover and bake—add an extra 5-10 minutes as it will be chilled.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistible about the layers of crunchy tots, savory beef, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese in this Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Rotel. It’s a celebration of comfort food with just the right twist of excitement from Rotel. I hope you gather your loved ones, whip up this easy bake, and watch as it disappears from plates in record time!
Print
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’s perfect for a family dinner. Layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, gooey cheese, and crispy tater tots come together to create a satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess fat. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add Rotel and cream of mushroom soup. Stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Assemble: Spread the beef mixture in the baking dish. Top with tater tots in a single layer. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until tater tots are crispy and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cheddar soup.
- For extra spice, use hot Rotel or add chopped jalapeños.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large scoop
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
