Tater Topped Casserole
A hearty casserole featuring seasoned ground beef topped with crispy Tater Tots and savory creamy celery soup. Garnished with chopped pimentos, this dish offers comfort food flavors perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, combining rich meatiness with crunchy topping for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Grease a shallow 2-quart baking dish.
- Saute chopped onion and chopped celery until tender.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, then drain off excess fat.
- Add salt to taste and combine with cooked vegetables.
- Spread the cooked meat, onion, and celery mixture in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour undiluted cream of celery soup over the mixture.
- Add chopped pimentos on top for garnish.
- Arrange the package of frozen Tater Tots evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a blend of spices such as garlic powder and black pepper in the ground beef mixture. If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom or chicken soup. Adding some shredded cheese on top before baking can create a delicious, cheesy crust. This dish is reminiscent of other hearty American recipes, so feel free to experiment with ingredients!
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tater Topped Casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. A side of crusty bread can also complement this meal well. This casserole pairs beautifully with recipes like Crusty Beef, Cheese And Noodle Casserole for a comforting dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Tater Topped Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. For a crispier topping, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, covering it with foil to prevent over-browning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tater Topped Casserole contains roughly 220 calories, with 9g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), iron (10% of the Daily Value), and potassium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1183mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat in this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef if you prefer a leaner option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, consider using lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just be sure to add the Tater Tots right before baking to keep them crispy. If making ahead, you may need to adjust the baking time as it will be going into the oven cold.
What can I use instead of frozen Tater Tots?
If you don't have Tater Tots, you can use hash browns or even homemade potato rounds. Simply season them well and arrange them on top of the casserole. This will create a similar crunchy topping that complements the flavors of the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).