We’re taking it old school with this one! A simple but updated version of your favorite Tater Tot Casserole! And before you say I hate casseroles, just keep reading & let me convince you why I love it!! This is not your typical casserole it is lots better for you and so incredibly easy to throw together. Never had it? It’s basically a super flavorful ground beef and veggie (dare I say gravy?) base topped with crispy tater tots and cheese! Kind of like shepherds pie got an upgrade! How could it be bad?
“It’s a NO for me on the casserole!” First off, you are going to have to trust me on this one because I am not a casserole girlie! I do not like using canned soups in my dishes because well, they kind of gross me out. I just know the ingredients can’t be good for you so we are taking that out and going from scratch. But once again, trust the process. Quick and so incredibly flavorful. It was a hit with the whole family!
What can I use in place of ground beef?! Ground turkey or chicken would make this a little lighter and you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference! Honestly, you could even make this veggie based and use ground up mushrooms as the “meat”! I used a lean ground beef and it was perfect.
Did someone say hidden veggies?! Yep! I added a ton of chopped onion, carrots and green peppers, but any veggie works great in here! Peas, corn, red pepper, mushrooms, the options are endless. All we need to do is add a little bit of flavoring, and this meat mixture is packed with veggies and delicious enough to eat right out of the pan.
Frozen tater tots? Not a bagged tot kind of person? That’s ok. You could make some mashed potatoes to put on top and make it more of a shepherds pie, but trust me the crunchy texture of the tater tots is so good, and it just makes it that much easier!!
PS. I have to say, I know this is NOT a traditional method, it’s my method and it’s dang good! :) if I say so myself!
I know we will be making this one on repeat and I hope you all enjoy it too! Getting me very excited for all the fall dishes to come! Make sure to tag me @brookslately on Instagram or TikTok, or leave a comment below if you make this! I love to hear how it turned out! Have a fabulous weekend, see you next week!
veggie-packed tater tot casserole
feeds 4-6
Tools:
Chef’s Knife
Large Skillet
9 X 13 Pyrex (if skillet is not oven proof)
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 cup yellow onion, diced
1/2 cup carrot, diced
1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced (could use garlic powder if lazy like me!)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
dash of cayenne
1 tsp cavenders (optional but delicious)
1 tsp paprika
2 tbsp tomato paste
4-6 dashes worctershire sauce
1 tbsp better than bouillon beef (optional)
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 1/2 cup chicken broth (could sub beef broth)
1/2 cup cheddar cheese + 1 cup for topping
1 bag frozen tater tots or tater tot tops
Directions:
Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the tater tot bag. Mine was 425.
Start by adding your ground beef into a large skillet and brown over medium heat. Breaking the meat into small pieces.
Meanwhile, chop your veggies. Dice 1 cup yellow onion, 1/2 cup carrot, 1/2 cup bell pepper and mince your 3 garlic cloves.
Once your meat is brown add in your veggies and garlic plus 2 tbsp of butter or oil (omit if it seems like it has enough fat already).
Cook the veggies until tender over medium heat, about 5-7 minutes. Season while they cook. Add in 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, dash of cayenne, 1 tsp cavenders, 1 tsp paprika. Stir to make sure everything is seasoned evenly.
Next we are going to add in our 2 tbsp tomato paste, 4-6 dashes Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp beef base, this is optional but if you have it it adds a great “rich” flavor.
Stir in your 2 tbsp flour. It will look thick but that’s ok! This will help thicken our sauce in the oven! Cook 2 minutes!
Finally, pour in your 1 1/2 cups of chicken or beef broth. Bring to a boil and then turn down to low, and stir in your 1/2 cup of cheese.
If necessary, transfer your meat mixture to a large casserole dish and top with tater tots until the top is covered and top with more cheese. Place in oven for 15-18 minutes or until its bubbly and the top is crispy!
Garnish with a little parsley, serve and enjoy!!
Ingredient Swaps
ground beef: ground chicken or turkey. Mushrooms for veggie style
yellow onion: omit
carrot: omit
bell pepper: omit - sub these for corn, celery, mushrooms, peas
garlic: omit if you must, but garlic is important IMO
tomato paste: don’t have tomato paste? Ketchup will work.
Worcestershire sauce: Soy sauce or coconut aminos
beef base: bullion cube or omit
butter: ghee, avocado or olive oil
flour: gluten free flour, or corn starch
chicken broth: beef broth, veggie broth, water
cheddar cheese: you can omit if you don’t like/want cheese
frozen tater tots or tater tot tops: Mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice.