I have had this casserole at friends’ houses before, but never attempted to make it. Let me tell you, it will be a staple in this house! This casserole is so yummy, filling, cheap and versatile.

Here is what you need:

1 lb ground beef ( or turkey ), 1.5 or 2 lb bag of tater tots, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 can evaporated milk (evaporated milk is recommended because it makes the casserole richer tasting than regular milk), 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Step 2: Brown your ground beef, drain and place in a 9×13 casserole dish

Step 3: Mix in a bowl the 2 soups and the can of evaporated milk

Step 4: Place your tater tots on top of the ground beef. I have such good help in the kitchen! This is my daughter, Addie (2 1/2) helping mommy.

Step 5: Pour soup/milk mixture over tater tots. Place in a oven for 45-60 minutes. (If you want to add cheese, put the cheese on during the last 10 minutes of cooking)

Step 6: Once cheese is melty and dish is bubble, it’s ready!

Step 7: Enjoy with a side of mixed veggies, broccoli or green beans.

I looked online for differing recipes for this casserole. Some people put mushrooms, green beans etc. in the casserole. I chose to keep it simple the first time I made it and it turned out GREAT! I was thinking it would be very easy to turn this dish into a breakfast casserole by using sausage, tater tots, the soup/milk, and cheese. I’ll let you all know if I attempt it!

Meal Serves: 6
Cost of meal: $6.00 (includes veggies)
Cost per person: $1.00