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| Twisted Tater Tot Casserole |
Not your ordinary Tater Tot Casserole!
Raw ground beef
is pressed into the pan like a crust, then casserole is broken up and
stirred mid-way in the cook time so you get nice, solid pieces of beef
unlike the usual "brown-then-mix" version of this dish. Don't worry, the meat will be completely cooked at the end.
Also
added is everyone's favorite--BACON--as a tasty condiment, green and
red bell peppers for super flavor and some french-fried onion for some
more added YUM factor. And it's all topped off with sharp cheddar
cheese. Nothing could be better on a cold, wintry night.
I
used the mini potato patties (crowns) in this since the shape is more
appealing to my eye and since they're flatter than the standard
cylindrical-shaped tater tots, they'll brown and crisp faster.
Twisted Tater Tot Casserole
- 1 lb very lean ground beef (at least 85% lean)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (low-fat preferred, but not necessary)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
- 6 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup french fried onions (such as French's)
- 2 cups potato "crowns" or regular tater tots
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Press
ground beef into a 11 x 7-inch deep baking dish. Spread the potato
crowns evenly on top of the ground beef. Pour the soup over the potato
crowns. Sprinkle the diced bell peppers, bacon and french fried onions
on top of the soup. Distribute one cup of the cheese on top.
Bake
at 350 degrees. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and stir the
casserole, breaking meat into chunks. Add the rest of the cheese and
cook for an additional 20-30 minutes.
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| Twisted Tater Tot Casserole |
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32 comments:
Oh Wonderful! I loved this recipe!! What do you mean by potato crowns?
Potato crowns look like little disks or coins. Hard to describe really, but Ore-Ida is one company that makes them. I find they work better here, but if you can't find them, then the regular tater tots will work just fine.
Sounds yummy! Is the ground beef raw going into the casseroles dish?
Yep and it cooks nicely too. The secret is breaking it up 1/2 way through and sort of bringing it to the top, if that makes any sense, but it's the best way I can describe it. I like that there's a chew factor involved in eating this. I was dubious too when I saw the method, but it works, and it really improves this dish.
Bacon...yes! I will definitely try this version. Thanks.
You can add more bacon if you like Joan LOL. And this is SO fabulous. It's even good reheated. I finished the last leftover last night.
I have a friend who calls this dish "tater Tot hot dish" I always thought that was really cute and this version looks really yummy.
Made this one as directed. FABULOUS!!! Then remade it using my own substitutions! Freezes and reheats very well! Will definitely make this easy yummy one again! Thanks.
I'm glad you did the substitutions!!! I love to take an idea and run with it and always encourage anyone else to as well. Did the grandbabies like it better this time?
I'm in the process of making this recipe for my supper, it's just about finished and looks delicious. The only thing is that I did not add milk to the soup, should I have? The recipe didn't call for it, but most recipes using cream of mushroom do say add milk. It will be good either way! :-)
Nope no milk for the soup Nancy. You just spread it on straight out of the can. I hope your family loved it and feel free to change veggies and amount of anything if your family prefers other combos--one commenter--Grandma, changed up the veggies because her grandbabies don't like peppers.
can i use cream of celery instead of mushroom
You can use any cream soup you like Kathy. Change anything you want to in this. It's the method it's assembled that makes it different and better.
Im so excited to try this!!
I hope you like it Cynthia. This one reheats well too if there are any leftovers. <3
will this casserole have a lot of grease in it?
Not if you use 93% chop meat Mrs. Celetti. That's why I like this so much. If you want to reduce fat even more, then cut down on the tater tots/crowns and use a little less cheese. I don't find it greasy at all made with the 93% and I'm a real bear about seeing grease floating on a plate...can't stand it. Let me know how yours comes out.
Is there a way to print this recipe so I can take it in the kitchen with me?
Sarah--all you have to do is use your browser's "Print" function. It's under "File"
Just made it and It was so good
I only have 85% lean beef. Can I still make this? Will I have to drain the grease half way through?
Yum, this sounds absolutely amazing. Tater-tot anything and I'm in love! :)
Reheats well too Rachel...if there's any left LOL
85% will be fine. I've used it with great results.
Used corn for the veggie. Going to substitute cheddar cheese soup for the mushroom next time - I am a cheese freak and the rest of the family is by default...may try substituting feta cheese for the shredded cheddar.
I like it Mary!!!!! Cheese freak here too <3
I am going to try this for tonight supper. It really sounds good but I will use chedder cheese soup because my husband and I are cheese lovers and for the veggies I will use corn that is his favorite. Can't wait to eat it tonight
Oh this is SOOOOO happening at my house tonight!! Thanks for sharing the recipe and your nephew has an amazing palate, I might add.
I will use green onions in mine, with cream of chicken soup. Possibly some sour cream too.
Mel
Love it Mel!!! So many great things can be done with this basic recipe <3
Seems to me that a side order of breakfast gravy to drizzle over the top (after each person has the casserole in their plate) might be a nice touch. Just let each person ladle their own on according to their liking.
I am loving all these great ideas from you wonderful cooks. I plan to try them all!
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